nba

Khyri Thomas Supplies Big Shots Powering The Synatinics MBC Past The Skyliners 97-93 in OT

The Frankfurt Skyliners continued to be a solid team playing 500 basketball having a 2-2 record going into the clash with unbeaten team Syntanics MBC. The Skyliners have sparkled on the road being unbeaten, but were still searching for their first dub at home. Frankfurt have defended very well on the road, but are still searching for their identity at home as they allowed 88 points in the first game. Getting that first win definitely didn’t get any easier against unbeaten Weissenfels. They have defended very well in the early going and showed their wealth sharing the ball nicely as 6 guys are averaging scoring in double figures. A big delight for fans was being able to see big John Bryant again as at the age of 38, you never know how much longer you will see him as he is in his 15th season in Germany. John Bryant might of only played 6 minutes, but was as productive and efficient as can be with 5/3/1 stats as so many guys came up big for the whole 45 minutes as the Syntainics MBC had to fight hard, but in the end were rewarded in OT with a 97-93 victory in Frankfurt over the Skyliners to remain the only unbeaten team in the easyCredit BBL at 5-0. ‘We were sloppy in the first half, but we knew what we had to do in the second half and just executed a lot better. We knew that we couldn’t continue to play like that, but had to pick up our game. We did a good job sticking together and always encouraging each other in the huddles’, stressed Syntainics MBC guard Khyri Thomas (190-F/G-1996, college: Creighton) who played parts of 3 seasons in the NBA with Detroit and Houston. The Skyliners gave a feisty fight for 45 minutes, but it was the little things that continued to hurt them throughout the game that always allowed the guests to get the advantage in many situations with points, rebounds or turnovers. ‘We really played with a lot of effort. We tended to make way to many little errors through out the game that cost us. This was a real tough loss at home especially in overtime’, stressed Skyliners guard Nahiem Alleyne.

Marcus Foster at the FT line

The Skyliners came out starting the game strongly, but couldn’t keep up the pressure and allowed the Syntainics MBC find their rhythm which resulted in a close battle as the guests led 23-20 after one quarter. The Skyliners started aggressive at both ends and got the quick 6-0 lead as German captain Till Pape scored back to back hook shots in the paint and ex Saint Mary’s College of California (NCAA) guard Logan Johnson helped out under the basket with a tap in. Frankfurt was aggressive on the boards getting a few offensive rebounds from American Jaedon LeDee and the guests were very hectic in the opening minutes. Before the Skyliners really knew what had happened, the contest was dead locked at 8-8 as the Syntainics MBC found their rhythm with a couple of three pointers from ex University of Duquesne forward RJ Gunn and ex Xavier University (NCAA) guard Marcus Foster and ex KK Zadar forward Jure Planinic made a lay in. The guests continued to execute well and got a few stops upping their lead to 15-12 as Foster and Thomas added lay in’s. However the Skyliners fought back getting vital energy from ex Vechta guard Radii Casin who scored twice on transition and ex Creighton (NCAA) forward Ryan Hawkins connected for a massive trey as the Skyliners only trailed 19-18. However the Syntainics kept the slight 3 point lead after 10 minutes as their bench stepped up as ex Alba Berlin forward Kresimir Nikic snuck inside twice for 2 easy baskets. ‘We like to throw the first punch, but didn’t. We had too much of a urge to do the right thing. We finally got a feel for the game. RJ Gunn set the tone’, stated Khyri Thomas. The Syntainics MBC shot 50% from the field and 25% from outside and 5 rebounds and 1 turnover while the Skyliners shot 44% from the field and 14% from outside and had 15 rebounds and 5 turnovers.

Jaedon LeDee jumper

In the second quarter the Syntainics MBC took control of the game and led by as much as 12 points, but the Skyliners kept chipping away and trailed only by 4 points at half time. After Johnson and Nikic traded free throws, the Syntainics MBC then commenced on a huge 14-5 run to extend their lead to 38-26. In the run the guests continued to get super production from Colin Welp who hit 2 three’s while Spencer Reaves scored twice with his typical mid range game. Point Guard Charles Callison who was quiet all game long made a runner which remained his only points of the game. The Skyliners had another spurt in their game where they didn’t show the defensive aggression needed which allowed the guests to get relatively open shots. However the Skyliners still had enough energy and buckled down going on a 12-4 run to trail only 42-38 at the break. In the run Frankfurt got good support from Nahiem Alleyne who came off the bench and simply executed being aggressive hitting a trey and netting free throws. ‘I knocked down some shots today. I should of made more. I just played loose and let my defense dictate what my offense would do’, said Nahiem Alleyne. Till Pape also continued to be efficient adding 6 points as he was a total menace in the point area. ‘We allowed them to come back and that was all on us. We read the plays a little too early or helped too much. Our communication also could have been better’, stated Khyri Thomas. The Syntainics MBC shot 44% from the field and 36% from the three point line and had 14 rebounds and 3 turnovers while the Skyliners shot 42% from the field and 30% from the three point line and had 28 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

Isaiah Swope at the FT line

The Syntainics MBC continued to hold the lead in the third quarter despite the Skyliners always staying on the backs of the guests. The Skyliners got the lead back at 45-44 as they had a great start with a 6-0 run as LeDee hit his bread and butter the 20 footer, Johnson made an off balance shot and Alleyne made 3 free throws. Then came 5 lead changes as both teams had a solid rhythm. Frankfurt was probably executing at their best and led 53-50 as ex Artland Dragon guard Will Christmas made a lay in. The Skyliners were aggressive and getting easier baskets. But then all of a sudden came a big turn in the tide as the Skyliners offense turned static and they couldn’t hit shots anymore. The on ball defense of MBC was thrust up a few notches which resulted in a 14-2 run as they led 64-55 after 30 minutes. MBC’s offense was executing at it’s best as Welp dropped his next three pointer while John Bryant made his second. The team also remained really aggressive and made 8 free throws as RJ Gunn, Marcus Foster and Bryant scored. ‘Key in the third quarter was our rebounding. We got outrebounded badly in the first half. We buckled down and got first rebounds and kept executing on the offensive end’, commented Khyri Thomas. ‘We can’t give up on the little battles. Rebounding and 1-1 defense hurt us. But we still did give a great effort’, commented Nahiem Alleyne.

Spencer Reaves runner

The Syntainics MBC kept control in the fourth quarter and led by as much as 10 points, but the Skyliners continued to claw back and had a illustrious last minute being able to force overtime. Both teams came out gunning on offense as LeDee continued to use his mid range game to his strength making a 20 footer while Spencer Reaves hit a trey as MBC led 69-57. RJ Gunn also contributed well to the MBC offense with a lay in as John Bryant still has the court vision at age 38 with the pretty pass and then the strong big made a thunderous dunk for the 71-61 advantage. Rookie Isaiah Swope who is Malik Parsons 2,0 is definitely a player who has clutch secretly carved on his forehead began to lead the Skyliners come back attempt. He demonstrated his 3 level scoring with 2 treys and lay in plus free throws as he was a one man wrecking crew. However the Skyliners trailed 81-73 mainly because Khyri Thomas was just as lethal making a lay in and three pointer to keep them at bay. However the Skyliners weren’t done and kept fighting. Alleyne hit a trey and LeDee a jumper as Frankfurt trailed 83-78 with 1,02 to play. The Skyliners then played their best defense of the game forcing 2 turnovers which led to a Alleyne bucket to trail 83-80 with 18 seconds remaining. Then came the next MBC turnover which led to 3 Christmas free throws and overtime. ‘We played with desperation in the last minutes. We displayed great pressure on ball. We need to show that for 40 minutes’, warned Nahiem Alleyne. ‘We gave it away. They had many 50/50 calls, but you can’t blame the refs. We have to learn to play through it and make them call it and not bait it’, warned Khyri Thomas.

Marcus Foster at the FT line

In the overtime period, the Syntainics MBC made the first punch and the Skyliners were unable to punch back and get the lead back. Reaves began the OT period with free throws which was followed by a Thomas trey who showcased his calmness and great ability to pick his spots once again in the game making the next big timely shot. The Skyliners answered with LeDee free throws and a Swope 20 footer to trail 88-87, but MBC had no offensive lapses as Marcus Foster nailed a clutch trey for the 91-87 lead. LeDee added a big dunk and Christmas a reverse lay up, but MBC always had an answer as Thomas made free throws for the 94-91 advantage. With less than a minute to play, Logan Johnson missed 2 free throws. Foster connected on free throws for the 96-91 advantage. Christmas added free throws with 16 seconds remaining as the Skyliners trailed 96-93. Reaves made a free throw for insurance ending the game. ‘We were really pissed that we allowed overtime. We didn’t want to lose the game. We did a great job executing our stuff. We stuck together, rebounded well and got to the free throw line’, added Khyri Thomas. ‘Second chance rebounds hurt us. They also hit open shots. We can’t let that happen’, added Nahiem Alleyne. The Syntainics MBC were led by Khyri Thomas with 23 points while Marcus Foster added 17 points and Spencer Reaves had 12 points while the Skyliners were led by Jaedon LeDee with 18 points and 12 rebounds while Nahiem Alleyne added 17 points and Till Pape and Isaiah Swope had 14 points apiece. The Syntainics MBC shot 41% from the field and 35% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the Skyliners shot 41% from the field and 22% from outside and had 53 rebounds and 17 turnovers.

Jacob Washington(TV Langen) Always Wants To Improve His Game No Matter How Well Or Bad He Played

Jacob Washington (203-F/C-1999, college: CSUDH) is a 25 year old 203cm forward playing his second professional season in Germany and first with Pro B team TV Langen. Last season he played his rookie season with the NEW Elephants Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 19.5ppg, 9.4rpg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 73.3%. He began his basketball career at George Washington Prep and then played 2 seasons at JUCO schools Los Angeles Harbor College (JUCO) averaging 10.3ppg, 7.5rpg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 15.8%, FT: 64.6% and Cerritos College (JUCO) averaging 10.0ppg, 6.6rpg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 20.7%, FT: 76.7%. He then played a season with Bowling Green State University (NCAA) averaging 3.0ppg, 2.4rpg. He then finished at California State University Dominguez Hills (NCAA2) averaging 5.2ppg, 2.3rpg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 44.3%, FT: 52.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Jacob for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with Pro B team TV Langen. How blessed are you to be playing overseas? Did you ever think that you would be overseas when you were playing JUCO?

It’s a blessing for sure. I always thought I would be a pro because of the work I put in it just took a little time, but everybody’s road is different.

You just keep grinding going from JUCO to the NCAA and now as a pro from Regionalliga to Pro B. You seem to be a real fighter. Where has that fight in you come from?

Well, this comes from my family, never giving up always follow your dreams and continue to put in the work and eventually it would pay off. A lot of people in my past thought I wasn’t going to make it so I just have to continue to work and prove people wrong.

What were the main reasons for joining TV Langen? Did you know that the organization is rich in history and tradition?

Well I just wanted to move up from last season to a higher league and I feel this is the league in team to do that. I’m not really familiar with the history and tradition. But I’m looking to learn in the upcoming months.

How did the talks go with head coach Tobias Jahn? What did you instantly enjoy about his basketball philosophy?

The talk with Coach went very well. He explained to me what he expects for me and the team and what we need to do for the season. He’s a very well, detailed coach and explains everything. He is such a good coach to be around and I can’t wait to learn more from him.

You had a great rookie season in Germany with Regionalliga team Grevenbroich? How confident are you that you can make the next step in the Pro B?

Yes last year was a pretty good season for me. I think it put me in the right direction to take the next step in the pro B and I just have to continue to work on my game and I’m confident in my ability that it will show on the court.

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

Well, I do a lot of great things. Well I can shoot it and play inside. I’ll rebound it well play defense. I don’t really compare myself to an NBA player you know because I watch so many of them so I’m kind of just my own player.

You’re a player that can score, rebound and shoot 40% from outside. What other strengths does your game have?

I just feel like I can bring a lot to the court with my shooting like you said rebounding playing inside and out my rebound is pretty good as well and I play defense.

So many shooters want to reach that consistency and shoot 40%. You have done it twice in a row. What is your biggest goal as a shooter now besides keeping that stability in your shot?

Just believe in yourself believing in the work you put in everything’s going to end up showing on the court you know you just have to keep having confidence and everything else will pay off. I put in so much time in the gym that no one sees, and when it gets to the game it shows.

What kind of a defender are you at the moment? How much does your athleticism play into your defensive game?

I always want to prove myself in defense a lot more you know I’m getting better and better over the years you know I take it personal when people score on me and I just try to do everything in my power to stop my defender and I just take pride in it.

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

Everything. You can always improve and I’m not satisfied with anything. I’m very hard on myself and I want to get better and I want to improve on everything. No matter how well or how bad I play I always want to constantly improve my game.

Last season you played with the NEW Elephants Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 19.5ppg, 9.4rpg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 73.3%. How tough was it losing that playoff series to Wulfen? Is that 75-70 game 3 loss one you will remember for a long time?

That was a pretty good series for us, but tough in the end how we came up short. Sometimes the game goes your way and sometimes it doesn´t. We just couldn’t capitalize in the end. It was a very tough way to end the season and I did remember it for a long time but you know now it’s time for me to move on. and now I have some experience of what to do and make sure that doesn’t happen again.

How important was this rookie season for your development considering you never had such an offensive role in school?

Well, everything prepares you for anything in life you know so for my college you know the experience I had prepared me for becoming a pro and it shows me how to work shows me what I need to do to continue to be great and continue to develop and it’s such a blessing.

How vital was having a fellow rookie like Toby Okuokei as your teammate? Did you guys become like brothers?

It was very vital to our experience as well. You know that’s obviously my brother will forever be my brother, and we already knew each other before we even came out here which made it a lot more easier for us to connect and figure out how we play and know where we are on the court.

You were on the rosters of 5 schools. That doesn´t happen often. Would you be the player that you are today without having so many different experiences with different coaches?

Every school, I went to taught me more and more than I needed to know and prepared me for life with Basketball and life after Basketball and how to continue to fight and never give up and yeah, that’s all I could ever want.

You played at 2 JUCO schools. Every JUCO player I have interviewed have always said that it was a grind, but an experience that they wouldn´t have traded for anything? How was it for you?

Definitely I will agree with the Juco players you know it’s definitely a grind. If you can play Juco you can play anywhere. I definitely wouldn’t trade it for anything.

You began at Los Angeles Harbor College (JUCO) averaging 10.3ppg, 7.5rpg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 15.8%, FT: 64.6%. What was it like playing for Tony Carter Loza. How did this season help your development?

That was a very tough season for me, but I fought through. It had my teammates. They helped me through it a lot and the assistant coach Seth helped me a lot as well so I’ll forever be grateful for my time there.

You then played for Cerritos College (JUCO) averaging 10.0ppg, 6.6rpg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 20.7%, FT: 76.7%. How vital was this season for your career? You played for a great team that won and was All-SCC South Division First Team -2020?

This season went pretty well for me being under the coaching of Coach Mayy. He was very good for me. He taught me a lot. He helped me grow and he was a good mentor for me to be well and he prepared me for the next level.

You then made the jump to Bowling Green State University (NCAA) averaging 3.0ppg, 2.4rpg. You didn´t play much. You suffered growing pains. Despite all that what positives could you take from it?

This was a very tough time due to the Covid situation and everything so I never really got the full experience of college, but you know I was still very grateful for my time there and it helped me grow a lot as a man.

You played for Steven Wright who had a great career overseas and played some years in Germany. Despite him being a guard as a player what memories will you always have of him?

Me and Coach Wright weren´t very close so I didn’t really fully know a lot about him and I also never knew he played overseas in Germany so I can’t really speak more on that

.

How much of a role model is a guy like Daeqwon Plowdon today for you? Would you ever have thought in 2020 that he would reach the NBA?

Dae Dae was always a hard worker always the first in the gym first to everything last to leave the gym and you know with a guy like that being around taking it all in knowing like how much of a hard worker he was, I had no doubt in my mind that his career will be successful in the NBA and in the NBA G league. It was great being around him, learning from him and teaching me some things and I will always be grateful for that.

In your first NCAA game you played against Michigan having a 4/5/2 game and played against future NBA guys like Franz Wagner? How vital was having an experience like that and arriving in the NCAA like that?

It was definitely an experience. It was a higher level of basketball and it got me ready for the future basketball I would be playing. When you play good talent, you will only get better.

You then finished at California State University Dominguez Hills (NCAA2) averaging 5.2ppg, 2.3rpg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 44.3%, FT: 52.0%. How did you experience this season? What positives could you take from this?

It was a lot of ups and downs, but more ups and downs. I would say a lot of positives. This was a Make or break situation in my Basketball?? career and I decided to stick with it in at the end of the day I end up leaving a champion and that’s what we all play for and ended up working out good for me.

Was your 19 point game going 5/5 against Chico State your fondest moment on the court?

it wasn’t my funnest moment at Domminguez but it was a good moment. I would say you know I just went out there and played my game and everything else fell in place, but I definitely had more experience experiences that were good there.

How did head coach Steve Becker groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Baker was there and never gave up on me and always believed in me even when I wanted to give up on myself. He he was always there. He was a good guy to talk to and I will forever be grateful for him not giving up on me and just pushing me to places that I didn’t even think I could get to and in the end and it paid off.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Andre Ball?

Of course I won. We had some pretty good battles in practice, but in the end, I will always end up winning.

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

The toughest player was Frank Wagner. He is a very good player. He can do everything very athletic.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

I wouldn’t be able to name five of them. They’re all we’re pretty good teammates for me to just name five of them would kind of be doing all my teammates a disservice. I’ve had some pretty good teammates in the past. I’ll leave it at that.

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

LeBron

Dwade

Kevin Durant

Tim Duncan

Shaq

Who is your GOAT?

My goat is my mom. She was always there for me she supported my career through the highs and lows. She made sure she made it to every game and travel ball game and you know that’s my number one fan right there and I love her so much.

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

I have seen coming to America. It’s a classic. And it was pretty good.

Thanks Jacob for the chat.

Eric Washington Wants To Lead Science City Jena To New Heights And Is More Patient As A Player In 2025

Pic credit: Nico Leistner

Eric Washington (183-PG-1993, college: Miami, OH) is a 32 year old 182cm guard from Columbia, South Carolina playing his 10th professional season and third in Germany with the Science City Jena. In Germany he played with the NINERS Chemnitz (Germany-BBL) averaging 7.8ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 21.7%, FT: 78.0% and with the MLP Academics Heidelberg (Germany-BBL) averaging 19.2, 3.8rpg, APG-2 (7.3), SPG-4 (1.8), FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 87.1%. He really jumped around the last 2 seasons playing with Monbus Obradoiro CAB Santiago de Compostela (Spain-Liga ACB) averaging 11.2ppg, 3.0rpg, 4.0apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 43.2%, 3FGP: 26.1%, FT: 75.0%, Reeder Samsunspor (Turkey-BSL) averaging 19.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 6.5apg, 1.3spg, in Feb.’24 signed at Happy Casa Brindisi (Italy-Serie A) averaging 12.9ppg, 2.6rpg, 4.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 61.2%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT: 88.2% and last season played with the Valley Suns (NBA G League) averaging 3.7ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.8apg, in Mar.’25 moved to Ferraroni Juvi Cremona (Italy-Serie A2) averaging 16.8ppg, 4.2rpg, 4.8apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 86.9%. He began his basketball career with W.J. Keenan High School. He then played in the NCAA playing 115 games for two schools with Presbyterian College (NCAA) and then finished at Miami University (NCAA). Before coming to Germany he played in countries like Cyprus and Bosnia and three seasons in Hungary. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big cup win in Rostock.

Congrats Eric on the big 80-79 cup win in Rostock. Does every win feel like a greater win than the one before simply because Jena is a BBL team again?

Anytime you can win a game is an accomplishment. At this level it´s difficult to win games. It´s a lot preparation that goes into it so to execute it and see if come to life is always a cool experience.

Jena had a strong 25-17 lead after 1 quarter. The game was back and forth in the first minutes, but after that Jena took control. Was that the kind of team basketball every team wished they had?

That is just something we are trying to emphasize as a team. It is still early and we are not where we want to be but we are enjoying the process of getting better.

The third quarter was a real dog fight as there were numerous lead changes and Rostock had the slim 58-57 lead after 3 quarters. What adjustments did Rostock make especially on the defensive end that allowed them to get the lead?

They did what any good team would do. They saw what we were doing and made adjustments at half. They started making shots and they made it a game.

The fourth quarter remained very tight and exciting. TJ Crockett was a severe menace showing his 3 level scoring. He already showed last season how valuable he was for Braunschweig. What made it so tough to slow him down?

He is a good player. He has the freedom to be that player so it makes it more challenging. He has good speed and the ability to shoot the basketball.

Lorenz Bank made a huge basket with 9 seconds and Naz Bohanon the clutch block at the end. How big was it to end the game like that on the road? Is Naz getting donuts or is he getting a dinner from his teammates?

Two big time plays for my guys. We work on that everyday so for those two plays to be the deciding factor was huge. I have something planned for them for sure!

Jena is 2-2 while Trier is 4-0. What is so special with the new teams that moved up? What has been the secret to Jena´s solid start and 2-0 cup start?

We have a good group of guys. We understand the opportunity that we have. We work extremely hard through the good and the bad. A lot of credit to Coach Bjorn as well cause his game planning has been good. Being able to adjust to teams and scout has been good for our team.

The team was put together very well from head coach Bjoern Harmsen. The guy is well respected and has helped teams move up leagues. What have you enjoyed most about his coaching philosophy?

He wants to win as much as I do. Super motivated and super passionate about the game of basketball. So for me that´s all that I need.

What has it been like being teammates with American Tavian Dunn-Martin? He is a special point guard that can do it all. What has it been sharing the floor with him? What do you appreciate most about his game?

T is ball player. Size doesn’t matter and he showed that early. His ability to shoot the ball is everything. I think he will be fine as he continues to learn the league.

You have big leadership qualities, but what kind of a dimension does a guy like Keith Braxton give the team with his play and leadership?

You have to respect what he brings to the game. He brings another threat that you have to account for. His ability to shoot the ball and put it on the floor forces teams to adjust.

3 seasons ago with Heidelberg you averaged (19.2), 3.8rpg, APG-2 (7.3), SPG-4 (1.8), FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 87.1%. You tore up the easyCredit BBL. In the last 2 years you got experience in the ACB, Turkey, G-League and Italy. How are you a better player now than in May 2023?

Patience

Currently your averaging 17/3/3/1 in the BBL. Has anything changed with the BBL since you left? Your game surely is still strong this season?

Ask me that in May lol

You have many talented guys around. Is your biggest personal goal to keep Jena in the BBL like you did Heidelberg in 2022?

Win a championship

Thanks Eric for the chat.

Saben Lee Will Never Forget Playing Were Going To Make 10 In A Row On Game Days With Kevin Durant

Pic credit: Vanderbilt University

Saben Lee (188-SG-1999, college: Vanderbilt) is a 26 year old 188cm shooting guard from Tempe, Arizona that will suit up in 2026-2027 for B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania-LKL) and played his 6th professional season and second with Olympiacos S.F.P. Piraeus (Greece-GBL) winning the Super Cup averaging 10.2ppg
, 1.7rpg, 2.9apg FGP: 72.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 77.3%; and in the Euroleague averaged 3.4ppg
, 1.4apg. In December 2025 he moved to Anadolu Efes Istanbul (Turkey-BSL) averaging 11.3ppg
, 1.7rpg,  3.1apg FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 27.9%, FT: 75.0% .In the 2024-2025 season he split time with Maccabi Playtika Tel-Aviv (Israel-Winner League) playing 8 Euroleague games averaging 12.0ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.5apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 47.6%, 3FGP: 31.6%, FT: 76.0%, then moved to Manisa Basket (Turkey-BSL) averaging 18.7ppg, 3.8rpg, 6.0apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 61.0%, 3PT: 29.5%, FT: 77.3%; and finished with Olympiacos S.F.P. Piraeus (Greece-GBL) averaging 6.0ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 73.3%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 55.0%. He played his first 4 pro seasons in the NBA with Detroit, Philadelphia and Phoenix playing a total of 134 NBA games. He began his basketball career at Corona del Sol high school and then played at Vanderbilt University (NCAA) from 2017-2020 playing a total of 95 NCAA games and as a senior averaged 18.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 32.2%, FT: 75.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Saben for talking to germanhoops.com. Your played your second pro season overseas and second with Olympiacos S.F.P. Piraeus (Greece-GBL). What kind of an experience was it playing for this historic team?

It has been great being able to play with so many highly talented individuals. You have no choice, but to get better and playing in front of our fans has been awesome.

How big were the expectations for this club? Your defending champions in Greece, won the cup last in 2024 and Euroleague in 2013. Is it a different kind of expectation compared to how NBA teams are run?

The expectations for this club are very high. We always want to win. We want to win at every level with the Greek League and Euroleague. The expectations are a little different than in the NBA. They emphasis more on winning overseas and I think there is more passion playing for the various countries.

In the Euroleague teams are stacked with many nationalities whereas in the NBA it is a lot less. You already played Euroleague last season. How has your game improved in your short time in Europe?

I feel like my game has definitely adjusted to the European tendencies. There is more team basketball here whereas in the NBA more isolation and a lot more shots

How would you classify your role with Olympiacos S.F.P. Piraeus (Greece-GBL)? You don´t have that scoring role that you had in Turkey last season?

My role is just to help the team win in any way I can. I don´t have that scoring role like I had in the past, but here is to manage the game and get the ball to where it needs to be. I just do whatever the team needs to me to do so it is successful.

How vital was teammate Tyler Dorsey since you arrived last season? He is a real Euroleague veteran and has seen it all overseas.

He is a great player and I feel like he is underrated. He can score the ball in a variety of ways and is a great shooter. He is a Euroleague veteran and I have been able to see the kind of work that he has put in to be successful. He has had many good games.

Last season you split time in Israel, Turkey and came in Feb to Greece and prompt won the league title. How tough was it coming from Turkey playing and scoring so much to having a different role in Greece?

It wasn´t too tough changing my role from scoring. Obviously I feel like I can score the ball in a variety of ways and at a big clip, but it is just an adjustment that Olympiacos wants me to take and I´m all for it. Winning for me is more important than scoring.

In warm Israel everything seems top with the food and weather, but still did you have a wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from the States?

I actually never went to Israel, because we were staying in Belgrade on account of the war there. My wake up call was the living conditions, because it was very different to the States.

You played your rookie season with the Detroit Pistons (NBA) playing 48 games averaging 5.6ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.6apg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 68.5%. What kind of an experience was it for you?

It was a great experience being able to play with some of my friends like Isaiah Stewart and Saddiq Bey and Killian Hayes. We had a good rookie class and I have a lot of good memories. We obviously weren´t winning as much, but we were definitely building something.

How valuable was it having a veteran like Canadian Cory Joseph in Detroit? What could you soak up most from him?

He is a good friend of mine and a real mentor that I looked up to and still do. He was a great player. I think his winning qualities and how he carried himself day to day really helped my development in Detroit.

In your third pro season you played a few NBA games with Philadelphia, played for 2 G-League teams and finished the season playing with the Suns. How tough was all the moving around and what did you learn about the NBA?

It´s not to tough moving around in the NBA. guys get traded, waived and have to learn new sets. I learned that you have to adapt on the fly and still have to be bale to play at a high level.

In the 2023-2024 season you played your last season in the NBA with the Phoenix Suns (NBA) playing 24 games averaging 3.0ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.3apg. You were teammates with Kevin Durant. What kind of an experience was that? What was your best Durant story?

Just working out with him. I would work out with him during every game day in the mornings. The first time that I worked out with him just us 2, the first thing he said was we will make 10 in a row. Doing that catch and shoot is already tough, but then he said we will do 10 in a row with a variety of shots. Just being able to lock in and see the talent that he has and his work ethic showed me where he is.

You played against so many NBA superstars. What was your fondest memory from a game playing against a Lebron, Doncic or Giannis?

I don´t really have a fond memory playing against them. My memories are more just being out on the floor with them and just competing. That was enough for me.

Is the NBA still a reality for you or is Europe 100% on your menu now?

I don´t know what my future is now, but just worry about where I am now.

You played at Vanderbilt University (NCAA) from 2017-2020. Your game made big strides there. How did your game grow especially in your 2 last seasons?

My game really grew from watching the collegiate game and just watching a lot of film. That really helped my game improve.

You always gave Kentucky a good game, but never beat them in the NCAA. What do you remember from that grind out 56-47 loss?

Playing against Kentucky was always a lot of fun especially playing in Rupp arena and playing against many high level guys with lottery picks and future NBA players. I was always ready for those games. NBA scouts were always there as well.

How did head coach Bryce Drew and Jerry Stackhouse groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

I was really grateful to have 2 NBA guys as coaches. They were able to tell me their process and gave me their words of wisdom and tell me what it takes to get to the highest level.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Darius Garland?

I never got to play against him as he was hurt. He came in as a highly touted freshman. He is a really good player and I´m happy for where he is now.

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

Shai Gillgeous-Alexander

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Isaiah Stewart, Saddiq Bey, Corey Joseph, Josh Okogie, Nassir Little

Who is your GOAT?

My dad

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

I did not see the classic Coming To America.

Thanks Saben for the chat.

The Miles Vs Tore Dean Weekly Basketball Conversation Volume 3

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Toru Dean (183-PG, college: Langston) is a 183cm guard from Miami Florida playing his rookie season overseas with the TSV Bargteheide Bees (Germany-Regionalliga). He began his basketball career with South Miami High School and then played 3 seasons at Barry University (NCAA2) averaging 8.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 65.1% and in his second season averaged 12.0ppg, 3.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 39.2%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 46.2%; and in his third season averaged 9.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.1apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 39.9%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 62.9%. He then finished at Langston University, OK (NAIA) averaging 10.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.5apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 81.0% and 9.4ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.1apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 69.4%. He teams up every week with eurobasket.com to talk basketball.

Congrats on the big 103–80 win against Bergedorf. The winning just continues. Is it difficult not getting into that “this will continue” phase, or is the team 100% focused that every game can be difficult?

I appreciate it. Winning definitely feels good, but we’re trying not to get too comfortable. Every game in this league is couningt now that we added more teams, if you take anyone lightly, you’ll get punished. So we’re just staying locked in, preparing the same way, and making sure we bring the right energy every night.

Bargteheide won by 23 points. Talk about the 40 minutes. Was this a game that you controlled from the start, or did the opponent have some runs?

I think we set the tone early and played our style from the start. But Bergedorf’s a good team — they had a few stretches where they made shots and put some pressure on us. We did a good job staying composed, moving the ball, and tightening up on defense when we needed to. Once we picked up the pace again in the third quarter, we were able to create some separation and control it the rest of the way.

Defense continues to be vital for the team’s success, but how key was aggressiveness? The team got to the line 34 times.

That was huge for us. When we’re aggressive on both ends attacking the rim, playing physical, and forcing the issue it changes the whole game. Getting to the line like that means we’re putting pressure on their defense and not settling for jumpers. That’s a big part of our identity

What was it like battling veteran point guard Jordan Rose? He filled the stat sheet just like you.

Jordan’s a good player he’s been around for 7 years, he’s crafty, and he knows how to control the tempo. You’ve got to be locked in defensively the whole game because he can hurt you in a lot of ways. I’ve got a lot of respect for him, and I enjoyed the matchup. It definitely brought out my competitive side.

Yngve Jentz had a huge game of 17/6/3/3/1. How valuable was his versatility in the win?

Yngve was awesome. He just does so many little things that help us win — defending multiple positions, rebounding, moving the ball, and hitting shots. When he plays with that energy, it lifts the whole team. He was definitely one of the keys for us tonight.

You had a very good game yourself — 18 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, shooting 7-of-12 from the field. How content were you with your game?

I felt good out there. I tried to stay aggressive but also make the right reads. My teammates were finding me in good spots, and I just focused on taking efficient shots and impacting the game in different ways. There’s always room to improve, but overall I’m happy with how I played within our system.

It was the fewest two-point shots you’ve taken and the most threes this season. Were you happy with how you chose your spots?

Yeah, I was. It’s all about reading the defense. They packed the paint a lot, so I just took what they gave me. I felt good from deep, and the spacing was great, so it made sense to let it fly when I was open. As long as the shots are within the flow of the offense, I’m comfortable with that mix.

You next play 4–2 Lichterfelde from Berlin. What will be key to getting the win?

Lichterfelde’s a solid team,they play fast and move the ball around really good. they’re well coached. For us, it’ll come down to defense and focus. We’ve got to control the tempo, limit their transition game, and stay aggressive offensively. If we bring our usual energy and play our style, we’ll put ourselves in a good position to win.

Thanks Toru for the chat.

A Change In Work Ethic Has Improved Veteran Zane Waterman´s(Neptunas Klapeda) Three Pointer

Zane Waterman (203-F-1995, college: Manhattan) is a 30 year old 203cm forward from North Carolina playing his 8th professional season and second with Neptunas Klaipeda (Lithuania-LKL). He began his basketball career at / Fayetteville Academy and then played at Manhattan College (NCAA) from 2014-2018 playing a total of 121 games. He began his professional career in 2018 with Lapuan Korikobrat (Finland-Korisliiga) and since then has balled in countries like Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, New Zealand, Portugal, Canada, Cyprus and Lithuania. He spoke togermanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against the Hamburg Towers.

Thanks Zane for talking to germanhoops.com. You have played the last 4 years year round in Europe and Canada. Is the best description for you basketball workaholic or simply a basketball lover?

I would say a basketball lover. Before I began playing year round, I was always bugging my agent to find me a job. I was playing New York street ball anyway and that was almost a game a day. I was always working out or playing at my college over the summer to stay in shape, so why not play for a team. I can make money playing for a team.

Your playing your second season with Neptunas Klaipeda (Lithuania-LKL). Your playing your second season with Neptunas Klaipeda (Lithuania-LKL) and third straight in Lithuania. Has Lithuania become like a second home to you?

Yes it has. My wife, son and dog are in Lithuania for our third year. My wife got pregnant my first year and son was born just a year ago. It has a special place in our hearts and we really love it here. We love the culture and people and have really gotten a good routine here. Who knows what the future holds. The only complaint are the harsh winters. We live in New York off season so there isn’t too much of a difference with the weather in the winter time.

You always have been a very good 3 point shooter dating back to the NCAA and held that consistency as a pro. Recently you shot an incredible 52% from outside in the CEBL. How big is your confidence going into the Eurocup season and did you do any thing difference with preparation during the CEBL season?


As a basketball player you always have to have big confidence and belief in yourself. Even if you miss a shot, you have to think that the next one will go in. I always try to have a big confidence in my shooting. Sometimes it’s hard when you go through slumps. I have been working out a bit differently and that has been helping me a lot. My change of work ethic has maybe correlated to better shooting.

In your first 2 seasons in Lithuania, your 0-9 against top team Zalgiris. Last season you lost in the playoffs to them. How big is your desire to not only get that first win against them, but also to win the Lithuanian title?

You want to win every game, but the goal is big to beat them. That is the only team that I haven’t beat in Lithuania. I definitely want to beat them this season.

2 seasons ago you played with Kedainiu Nevezis-Optibet (Lithuania-LKL) averaging 16.8ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 77.5%. You had an incredible 31 points on 12/14 shooting against Zalgiris. The only thing missing was the win. Despite the loss, is that a game you remember in your career simply because you had a great shooting day?

That was a good game for me. Having such a great game against a great team is a big accomplishment. But of course I want that win badly.

You split the 2022-2023 season with the Helsinki Seagulls (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 13.4ppg, 4.4rpg, 2FGP: 70.5%, 3FGP: 40.0%, FT: 72.0%, in Jan.’23 moved to BC Apollon Limassol (Cyprus-OPAP Basket League) averaging 16.1ppg, RPG-5 (9.4), 1.6apg, FGP-3 (67.7%), 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 73.8%. After a short stay in Finland, you finished strong in Cyprus. How do you remember that season going from the cold of Finland to the beautiful warmth of Cyprus?

I went to Finland as an injury replacement. I filled in for the injured Rene Rougeau for a few months. It was a big climate change going from the snow to the warm weather. Cyprus felt like a vacation sitting in the sun. You couldn’t do that in Finland.

You played the 2021-2022 season with U.D. Oliveirense (Portugal-Liga Betclic) averaging 13.6ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 78.6%. You won a hard fought playoff series against CAB Madeira and then lost to Benfica. What memories do you have of that season?

Portugal is definitely one of my favorite countries that I have played in. I really enjoyed my time there and met some really good people there and people I still communicate with today. It is an amazing country. Oliveirense was very small, but around Porto. It’s a small country and many don’t see it as a top league, but it is run very well. We had a beautiful apartment. It was a great country.

In the 20-21 season you got further experience in 2 places with BK Nova Hut Ostrava (Czech Republic-NBL) averaging 18.5ppg, 8.7rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 54.2%, 3FGP: 41.6%, FT: 80.0%, in Jan.’21 moved to Enea Astoria Bydgoszcz (Poland-EBL) averaging 7.8ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 63.3%, 3PT: 57.1%, FT: 59.3%. After averaging 30 minutes in Ostrava, your minutes went down to 16 in Poland. What did you learn about this season especially on the business side?

That was an interesting time right after Covid. It was a very different season. We started off with fans in the Czech Republic and then it was changed to no fans. There were breaks during Covid and the league even shut down for a few weeks. But when I moved to Poland. I came with the promise of the coach that I would play 4-5 positions, but I ended up being the back up 5. I played behind polish big man Adrian Bogucki who was really big. He was about 100 kilos. It helped me develop my game better and learn to play the 5 better. I also got stronger. It wasn’t what I expected, but it worked out to be beneficial for me.

You played the 2019-2020 season with Ferrocarril Oeste (Argentina-La Liga): 5 games: 9.0ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 66.7%. You lived in the giant city Buenos Aires. It was only a short time, but you were there in the dog days of summer. What one thing will you always remember from the city? Perhaps the crazy traffic? It seems every driver is on his own there. Lol

I didn’t have a great experience in Buenos Aires. I’ll leave at that.

You played your rookie season with Lapuan Korikobrat (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 14.2ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 83.0%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home?

Lapuan was very small. I think it was the most north town in Finland that had a basketball team. It was some dark times during the winter. I remember we would go into our first practice at 10:00am and it would be dark. You get out of practice and the sun was up. The sun went down again at 2.00 and the next practice was at 6:00 and it was dark again. It was very different. I had never experienced something like that before. Lapuan treated you like family. It was a really great atmosphere. After games you would into a trailer and eat Lasagna. It was a great atmosphere. I really enjoyed it and really learned a lot as a pro there.

You also had a tour of duty in New Zealand with the Franklin Bulls (New Zealand) averaging 21.4ppg, 11.3rpg, 2.7apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 90.3%. Despite only playing 7 games you reached the 90/50/40 plateau. Was that the most consistent month in your career?

I guess it was consistent. I also enjoyed my time there. They were great to me and my wife. It was right after Covid. It was fun there. New Zealand is a lot different from what I had ever experienced before. The nature is amazing there. Unfortunately I broke my wrist and had to get surgery.

You played the last 4 summers in the Canadian CEBL with Hamilton, Brampton and Ottawa. How vital has this experience been for your development? How do you feel are you a different player with this experience?

It is a very athletic league in Canada. There is a lot of running up and down the court and very guard dominant. I have to play a different style than in Europe. But I also try to bring in my European style. In Europe the game is slower and more tactical and enjoy it more. I can you both styles that of Europe and USA in both places. I just use the best of both worlds when I’m playing.

You won the CEBL title in 2022 with Hamilton. What was so special about this team with guys like Aaron Best and Christian Vital that came together during the summer to win a chip?

That was an amazing team. We had 10 guys that could start any game. Every guy could score 20 points and was a star. Starters on any other team were role players on this team. Coach Ryan Schmidt did a great job having everyone buy in to his system. We were all focused on winning. One night you may score 20 points and the next 2 points. It didn’t matter as long as we won.

You played at Manhatten College from 2014-2018. You reached the Big Dance as a freshman losing to Hampton. What memories do you have of that game?

Growing up as an American you always dream of reaching the Big Dance. That was very special. I wish that we could have had a better game. I really enjoyed my time there.

You had many great games at Manhatten including twice against Marist and also against Monmouth and a double double in a triple OT win over Siena. What was your favorite own game in the NCAA?

I would say my 35 point game against Rider. It was over the winter intermission. All the students are on break. The basketball teams stay at school working out and playing games. That was a different time during college. You could really lock in. Your out of school for a month and just practicing and hanging out with your teammates. That is a lot of fun that brings a different comradery to the team. You come closer with your teammates. The gym was empty, but the game was on ESPN. I had a lot of fun.

How did head coach Steve Masiello groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Masiello groomed me into a man. He is very hard on you, but also very loving. He was like a big brother to me. He put a lot of us through adversary, but helped me out tremendously. He prepared me for playing overseas, because it is a big adjustment.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Pauly Paulicap?

We never actually played. He was a 5 and I a 4. We definitely had some battles. He is a great player. He is very energetic and athletic. He fights hard every game. It was fun to have him on your side.

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

There wasn’t one specific player. We played against West Virginia and they were tough. We weren’t ready for their full court pressure. We also played a tough Florida State team that had many future NBA players like Terence Mann. They were really stacked. We gave a good fight and played a good first half, but lost it in the second half.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Tyler Wilson, Emmy Andujar, Nikola Djogo, Keevan Veinot, Pauly Paulicap

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Dirk Nowitzki, Shaq

Who is your GOAT?

Kobe Bryant

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?

I didn’t see it. I liked the first one.

Thanks Zane for the chat.

Juhwan Harris-Dyson Powers The Dragons Rhondorf Past The BSW Sixers In OT 105-97

After the brutal 114-72 loss in Essen, the Dragons Rhondorf were happy to be returning home into their living room where they were still undefeated this season. Essen is a great team and destroyed Rhondorf on the boards and the Dragons were unable to put up decent shooting percentages. Now they were back home again and had an interesting test with the BSW Sixers who began the season 0-2 and now were riding a 2 game winning streak. They are a team with 2 talented Americans with Toby Okwuokei and Robert Holmes and bigs that can rebound the ball well. The Sixers also had improved their defense in the last 2 games allowing 87 points on average in the first 2 games and only 73 points in the last 2 games. The Dragons Rhondorf had to be wide awake to keep their winning streak alive and were as they had to go 45 minutes to win their third game of the season in OT 105-97. It was a game of runs, missed free throws, aggressive defense, acrobatic plays, big shots and a buzzer beater, but in the end, it was the Dragons Rhondorf that had the better nerves in OT especially from the free throw line grinding out the win. “This was a great game. The fans gave us so much energy. It was a long week where we talked a lot about what our identity is. Tonight we showed our identity. We stuck together the whole game. It was a game of runs and 2 big shots at the end of the fourth quarter. But we weathered the storm and pulled out the win”, stressed Dragon Rhondorf guard Juhwan Harris-Dyson (198-SG-1999, college: California). The BSW Sixers had to face so many up hill battles the whole game, but ran out of gas in OT who were carried by their American duo of Toby Okwuokei and RJ Holmes who combined for a massive 61 points, 29 rebounds and 84 minutes. “I´m really proud of the team. We had a slow start, but fought back the whole game. Battling back has been our calling card so far this season. We are a very young team. We have to learn to finish plays”, stressed BSW Sixers guard Toby Okwuokei.

Elia Rosa De Almeida to the rim

The Dragons Rhondorf that had the better first quarter and would power home 25 points. Both teams found their rhythm rapidly as Illinois native rookie Robert Holmes nailed a trey and got a jumper from young German Felix Zacharias while the Dragons Rhondorf got offensive production from the Spanish magician Jorge Mejias and ex Oberaching center Benjamin Sadikovic. However the Dragons Rhondorf then picked up their defensive game getting back to back steals from Swiss army knife Harris-Dyson and Kenan Reinhart that led to easy transition baskets from Harris Dyson and Mejias as Sandersdorf trailed 10-5. 2024 NBBL champion Jarne Jurgens added a thunderous dunk to trail 10-7, but the Dragons had more intensity and were led on a 10-3 run by Harris-Dyson who was a scoring menace scoring 3 times. His third bucket was the prettiest as he was delivered the perfect dime from 16 year old Dusan Ilic for the great alley-op throw down and 20-10 advantage. The Dragons knew that they had to make an impact on the boards and did and just were flying all over on defense. Despite Okwuokei nailing 2 three´s, the Dragons kept the momentum and 25-13 lead after 10 minutes as Reinhart made an acrobatic shot and Sadikovic a lay in. “We knew that we had to have a better start than last week. We put our foot on their throat from the start. We were able to play our game and get out on transition and get easy baskets”, stressed Juhwan Harris-Dyson. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 59% from the field and 0% from outside and had 14 rebounds and 2 turnovers while the BSW Sixers shot 25% from the field and 33% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 2 turnovers.

Juhwan Harris-Dyson at the FT line

In the second quarter the Dragons Rhondorf kept on to the lead, but could never totally shake the BSW Sixers as they led by as much as 14 points, but at the break led only 41-36. Both teams executed well on offense as the Dragons got baskets from Reinhart, and Duje Dujmovic who is still searching for his offense rhythm this season while the guests got a big trey from Okwuokei and coast to coast lay in by Zacharias, but the BSW Sixers couldn´t make any ground as they trailed 32-20. However the BSW Sixers then found some daylight going on a 10-4 run to trail 36-28. In the run, the guests got vital production from their Americans as Okwuokei added 5 points and Holmes nailed his second trey from the corner with the kick out pass from Okwuokei for the second time of the game. The BSW Sixers increased their aggressiveness on defense forcing the Dragons to bad shots and the Sixers took good care of the ball. The game showed again why it is a game of runs as Rhondorf reeled off a rapid 5-0 run to lead 41-28 as Mejias hit a trey and Ilic made a beautiful basket with a spin move, but that didn´t shake the BSW Sixers as they closed out the second quarter with a 8-0 run thanks to 2 technical fouls from the Dragons. In the run, the guests got a lay in by Holmes, free throws by Okwuokei and a lay in by Jurgens. “It was a game of runs and we didn´t shoot the ball well at times. California native Okwuokei was doing a great job getting to the paint. He is a great player. He is really hard to stop. It´s always fun playing against him”, said Juhwan Harris-Dyson. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 43% from the field and 17% from the three point line and had 28 rebounds and 6 turnovers and the BSW Sixers shot 31% from the field and 31% from the three point line and had 23 rebounds and 5 turnovers.

Toby Okwuokei at the FT line

The third quarter was a real battle as the BSW Sixers stole the lead back near the end of the quarter, but a very late run by the Dragons Rhondorf gave them the slim 57-54 advantage after 30 minutes. Kenan Reinhart who has focused on becoming more of a versatile scorer on offense and not just a 3 and D player as he scored on the drive in the first half, but in the first minutes of the third quarter also returned to his bread and butter nailing a trey for the 44-39 lead. However the BSW Sixers continued to fight and execute well on offense getting continued productive help from Okwuokei, but also vital support from role player Zacharias who made a reverse lay up and offensive rebound and put back to tie the game at 48-48. The BSW Sixers seemed to gain some momentum then with 2 big dunks from Holmes and young German Emmanuel Ozike for the 54-51 lead, but the Dragons Rhondorf still had some energy left in the tank and once again made a run of 6-0 to lead 57-54 after 3 quarters. In the run, Rhondorf got free throws from Mejias while Reinhart came up big in the clutch again from downtown while Haris-Dyson made a key offensive rebound and put back. “They put a lot of pressure on us. We missed more shots and missed free throws. We also missed open three´s. Sometimes shots fall and sometimes they don´t. We always focus on our defense first”, stated Juhwon Harris-Dyson. “We pressed very well, went to zone as well. We were more aggressive and were flying around well”, stated Toby Okwuokei. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 40% from the field and 21% from the parking lot and had 37 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the BSW Sixers shot 34% from the field and 29% from the parking lot and had 37 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Dusan Ilic from outside

The fourth quarter went back and forth with runs, but at the end of 40 minutes, the BSW Sixers had the last laugh forcing overtime. The Dragons Rhondorf began off hot with a 8-2 run to lead 68-59. In the run, Rhondorf got 4 points form Mejias, a trey from Dujmovic and a lay in from Harris-Dyson. Rhondorf was defending aggressively and the BSW Sixers were doing more hero ball than team play. But the BSW Sixers continued to fight and make a 7-1 run led by the tireless Okwuokei who steered home 4 points as his motor was in full throttle. The Dragons Rhondorf held the slim lead, but the BSW Sixers always felt like they could win as they traded 4 lead changes, but at the end of that, the Dragons led 76-75 thanks to a Harris-Dyson lay in. But the BSW Sixers had nerves of steel as RJ Holmes nailed a big trey for the 80-77 lead, but the Dragons would get the lead back at 81-80 with a Mejias bucket and Harris-Dyson free throws. The game seemed decided now after added Reinhart free throws for the 85-81 lead, but Zacharias hit a huge trey from the left corner with 4 seconds to play to trail 85-84. The BSW Sixers then did a great job fouling Ilic right away, but he sunk both free throws for the 87-84 lead. However Okwuokei had one more trick up his sleeve as he hit a trey at the buzzer to dead lock the game at 87-87. “The game was back and forth. We did a good job playing hard and finishing off plays. I was lucky I hit the last shot”, said Toby Okwuokei. “They never gave up. It was a dog fight. They got 2 big shots from Holmes and Okwuokei”, said Juhwan Harris Dyson. The Dragons Rhondorf had the better start in OT and never looked back getting the win. The Dragons Rhondorf started with a lethal 6-0 run to lead 93-87. The BSW Sixers went into OT with the momentum, but the Dragons Rhondorf weren´t timid, but remained aggressive and got 2 back to back and 1 lay in´s by Ilic and Mejias. The Dragons Rhondorf then did a good job managing their lead and just executing consistently when the guests did. The game seemed sealed for the Dragons at the 2,21 minute mark after Mejias hit a pull up jumper for the 97-91 advantage, but the BSW Sixers still had answers as they got 2 stops and trailed only 97-95 at the 1,02 minute mark as Nwokedi made free throws and Okwuokei made a lay in. But the Dragons Rhondorf stayed strong, held their nerves and were a bit fresher having a deeper rotation and closed out the game with a 8-2 run getting to the free throw line and making their shots. Mejias made 4 free throws and Reinhart also made free throws and Harris-Dyson made a tip in to close out the teams third win of the season. “We played fast in OT and exploited their foul trouble. We rotated well on defense and stopped them getting to the paint”, added Juhwan Harris-Dyson. “Their quick start hurt us. We lost a little focus and were unable to stay with them”, added Toby Okwuokei. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Juhwan Harris Dyson with 24 points, 11 rebounds and 5 steals while Kenan Reinhart added 23 points and 10 rebounds while the BSW Sixers were led by Toby Okwuokei with 36 points and 10 rebounds while Robert Holmes had 25 points and 19 boards. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 44% from the field and 22% from outside and had 54 rebounds and 14 turnovers while the BSW Sixers shot 37% from the field and 32% from outside and had 56 rebounds and 17 turnovers.

Jordan Roland Enjoys The Special Basketball Culture In Trier And Isn´t Worried About His 3 Point Shooting Percentage After 4 Games

Pic credit: Simon Engelbert

It was 10 very long years for Trier basketball fans as their beloved basketball team Vet-Concept Gladiators Trier had to endure life in the second division Pro A. That last season in the BBL in 2014-2015 was brutal as they finished in 17th place and had to move down. Moving back to the BBL isn´t self evident as teams Like Bremerhaven are in their seventh consecutive Pro A season while other clubs like Giessen and BG Goettingen have been back, but can´t hold the momentum to stay. It is never easy for clubs to reestablish themselves back in the first division. Because of that it is extra refreshing when a club like Vet-Concept Gladiators Trier return and take the BBL by storm as they have with a 4-0 record. They are actually 5-0 including their cup win. The excitement would probably be bigger if there weren’t teams like Wurzburg and Weissenfels who are also unbeaten. Trier basketball was gone from the BBL for a long time and it is very evident that everyone involved is super grateful to be back.

“Basketball life is going great at the moment for us. We have had 4 big wins and beaten well established teams like Alba Berlin and Rostock. You notice right away here during the day to day on the court and in the office that people have wanted to be back in the BBL for a while. Everyone is super excited. One also sees that with our intro video before games that the organization is centered to be back in the BBL”, stressed Jordan Roland (185-PG-1997, college: Northeastern).

The Vet-Concept Gladiators Trier should of already moved up a season ago, but were rudely bounced out of the playoffs by Frankfurt. But last season they were on a mission and finally made it back to the BBL. The way the club has played now, it seems like they have taken the momentum from last season into this season! They kept many players and only added a few pieces including current team top scorer Eli Brooks as well as ultra veteran and winner Urald King who has won titles in 3 different countries.

“For sure. I think that a big part of this has been being able to keep so many players from last season. It is super tough to be able to keep so many players together, but being able to do that has been so important for our success. Adding UK has been so big. He is versatile and so experience. He has been a huge addition for us”, stated Jordan Roland.

Some clubs think big and sometimes that kind of mentality can come back and bite you in the behind. But the The Vet-Concept Gladiators Trier had the correct mentality right from the get go and didn´t think to big and forget what is realistic. Their goal is to win 12 games in the easyCredit BBL. They are already one third of the way to that goal. But isn´t this team better than just winning 12 games?

“The goal is to win 12 games and we are already on a good path to beat that. Usually the goal of a team that moved up is to stay in the league. But we feel like despite the current success, we can´t set the bar higher. Winning 12 games for us was more a base than a lofty goal”, warned Jordan Roland.

To be successful, so many things have to come into place. One has to have the right players and develop a sound team chemistry. That is something that is already cemented, but there are also so many other factors like having the right coach as well as having certain special aspects that makes coming to work every day so much more enjoyable. With Jacques Schneider who had to pay his dues for many years as an assistant in Leverkusen, everything has fallen into place since becoming head coach in 2024. His coaching methods and treasure chest have motivated his players.

“I love to play for coach. I like that he allows us to play fast and gives everyone freedom. He leads us well and keeps us together. Having good chemistry already now has been big for our success. He has been able to get high quality players all on one page and establish a culture. I´m not sure if the treasure chest has been an extra motivation for us to perform better, but everyone wants to win and having the treasure chest aspect is really cool. Being able to take a goal and visualize it is important. We really look forward to it when we win games”, added Jordan Roland.

Back 10 years ago, teams like Alba Berlin and Bamberg were the crème de la crème in Germany and in the 2014-2015 season, Trier did play Alba Berlin tough once losing in OT 86-83, but the other time stunk out the arena losing 91-54 and against Bamberg were swept badly losing 71-64 and the second time being blown out badly 84-44. Those were the days when being a Trier basketball fan was extremely tough, but in 2025 the season isn´t even a month old and they beat both Alba Berlin and Bamberg. Beating Alba Berlin on the road was like extra icing on the cake.

“To be able to win in the Uber arena was huge. That is like a NBA arena. The Alba Berlin organization carry a lot of weight in Germany. It was cool to get the win for some of the ex Alba players on our roster”, commented Jordan Roland.

Another interesting aspect to the The Vet-Concept Gladiators Trier early success has been their ability to win crunch time games. They didn´t just win 1 or 2, but right away 3 in a row

Being able to win so many close games so early in the season says a lot for our continuity. Having that just makes everything feel more comfortable in a situation like in Berlin. We had control against Bamberg and Braunschweig, then lost it, but came back and won. That says a lot for the character of our team”, warned Jordan Roland.

One of the team´s big strengths is their pace as they have demonstrated that they are one of the most high paced teams in the BBL. That they allow 82 points is only normal when they play so high paced. Working on their defense is a daily thing that the club continues to work on. Every player has a role and every guy is important in their own way. But there couldn´t be 2 more key guys than captain Maik Zirbes who has played in the Euroleague and won 15 titles as well as Behnam Yakhchali who can do it all and just knows how to make the crucial plays.

“With all the experience that Maik has, he commands a certain level of respect. He is a great leader and motivates us all. He plays so hard and shows in practice that nobody can stop him. He is an elite inside presence and keeps everyone together. He is also huge off the court hosting. Behnam brings that clutch factor. I remember last season when he hit 2 big three pointers in Munster. He always plays hard and leaves all on the court. He is unselfish and a team first guy”, warned Jordan Roland.

Jordan Roland and Eli Brooks have been a lethal a 1-2 scoring punch at the guard position. Brooks is averaging 16,5ppg, 3,0rpg and 4,8apg while shooting a potent 47% from the parking lot. While Roland is averaging 15,5pp, 3,0rpg and 2,3apf, but is only shooting 28% from outside. 2 seasons ago in Rostock, he was at 43% and last season 38%. He has that same role from last season which is to score, shoot, defend at a high level and be team first.

Eli is a great player. He is also a team first player and totally unselfish. He is a threat in so many ways. He is a great shooter and can create for himself and others. You can´t take one thing away. He really gives us another dimension. I have been content with my game. The most important thing is that we are winning. Of course I would like to be shooting the ball better. I´m confident my shooting will improve. I have been in the high 30´s and 40% my whole career. It has only been 4 games in. I´m not concerned”, warned Jordan Roland.

A big part of Roland´s game is his leadership. He showed in Rostock and last season that he can help move a team up to the easyCredit BBL. In a way he pulled a Chris Carter last season in Trier. He couldn´t have had a better mentor in Chris Carter that has done the magic 4 times helping Vechta, Chemnitz, Rostock and Jena move up to the BBL.

“Chris was huge for me my first year in Rostock. He was a great leader on and off the court. I remember him helping me feel comfortable off the court. He helped me with groceries and getting adapted to the language barrier. He did many of the little things off the court like hosting”, remembered Jordan Roland who will always take himself in a 1-1 battle in practice against Eli Brooks.

Even if the easyCredit BBL regular season takes a 1 week break, the The Vet-Concept Gladiators Trier are not idle, but have a do or die game against the Telekom Baskets in cup play. Bonn has found their groove slowly having a 2 game winning streak after losing the first 2 games. They aren´t a high scoring team, but have defended well allowing only 73 points on average in the first 4 BBL regular season games. Trier have a 5 game winning streak and want to keep it going.

“Bonn is a good defensive team and we are a good defensive team. We just have to be able to play our game. It will be huge if we can play our style. We have a great home crowd. The energy hasn´t worn off. We have to keep the momentum going”, stressed Jordan Roland.

David Nichols (Sabah BK Baku) Still Has A Big Chip On His Shoulder And Will Continue To Grind And Be An Impact Player In The BCL

David Nichols (183-PG-1996, college: FSU) is a 29 year old 183cm point guard from North Carolina playing his 7th professional season and first with Sabah BK Baku (Azerbaijan-ABL). He has extensive professional experience having played in countries like Cyprus, Slovenia, Belgium, France, Finland, Hungary and Turkey. He began his basketball career at Elite Prep academy and then played at Mount Carmel high school. He then played at the University of Albany (NCAA) from 2015-2018 playing a total of 82 games and then finished at Florida State University (NCAA) averaging 4ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 69.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball Champions League game against Alba Berlin.

Thanks David for talking to germanhoops.com. You have played in 7 countries in your first 6 seasons and this year have an eight country with Sabah BK Baku (Azerbaijan-ABL). What do you enjoy most about the globetrotter life?

Seeing new places, discovering different cultures, trying new foods and learning the history of each country that I play in.

Your playing your first season with Sabah BK Baku (Azerbaijan-ABL) and your Basketball Champions League competition. What have you appreciated most about the club Sabah?

This will be my first year playing this competition as long as the team’s first time competing in the BCL. They are a new team only a few years old and they are trying to build something special and I’m happy to play my part in it.

You have seen so many different countries in Europe. What has been something you have picked up in Azerbaijan that you haven´t seen in other countries?

Honestly I haven’t been in the country long enough to answer that question I’ve only been in Azerbaijan for a couple of weeks.

You have put up incredible stats wince being a rookie in Cyprus. It took you 6 seasons to reach a top league with the Turkish BSL. How big is the chip on your shoulder?

I still have a big chip on my shoulder, I showed that I can play in a top 2 league in Europe and contribute for a team at a high level so now I want to show what I can do in the Basketball Champions League. So I’m not satisfied at all in that standpoint.

Do you feel like possibly your height has kept you from playing in France, Italy or in Germany? Your hunger and fire must be growing every season?

No, I don’t think height matters at this level there are plenty of 6 foot guards playing everywhere at every level. I’ve had opportunities to play in these countries and many others that I’ve declined. So I don’t think it has impacted anything in my career.

Q: Last season you began with Arconic-Alba Fehervar (Hungary-A Division) averaging 18.4ppg, 2.8rpg, 9.1apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 62.8%, 3FGP: 44.4%, FT: 77.8%. You love to get those dimes and had 21 in a game. Is there an NBA passer you have modelled your game after?

Last season I wanted to expand my game even more to show that I can play make at an elite level with not only scoring but my passing as well. And no there is no NBA player that I watch in terms of passing the pall because it’s such a different game. I watch guys like DJ Cooper and Milos Teodosic. I will watch Luka Doncic when he is playing with Slovenia because he is a master at reading Pick and Rolls and making the right read every single time.

You then finished the season with to Semt77 Yalova Belediye Spor (Turkey-BSL) averaging 12.4ppg, 1.6rpg, 5.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 49.4%, FT: 66.7%. How satisfying was this season? You proved to all that you can be an impact player in a top league?

It was very satisfying for me in my personal journey. Playing against Euroleague, Eurocup and Champions League teams every single week and producing at a high level showed that I can play anywhere in Europe.

You lost but were the best player on the floor against Euroleague teams Efes and Fenerbahce and guys like PJ Dozier, Bonzie Colson, Devon Hall, Khem Birch and Errick McCullum. What do you believe is missing for you to play at the Eurocup or Euroleague level?

I don’t think anything is missing, all I can do is control what I can control and thats what I do on the court. So I will continue to play and do everything to help whatever team I am on win games and the rest will take care of itself.

Q: You played the 2023-2024 season with Sopron KC (Hungary-A Division) averaging 18.5ppg, 3.7rpg, APG-4 (5.7), 1.5spg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 83.9%. What kind of an experience was it? You had some monster games like 37 points against Szedeak?

This year was a bounce back year for me personally. I had a lot to prove to myself and I think I did that. It was a good experience playing in a respected league like Hungary.

Q: You played the 2022-2023 season with Aix-Maurienne SavoieBasket (France-ProB) averaging 17.0ppg, 1.9rpg, 3.8apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 47.7%, 3FGP: 38.2%, FT: 78.7%, in Mar.’23 moved to Lapuan Kobrat (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 29.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 4.3apg, 1.5spg. How did you enjoy the France Pro B league? A league on the rise?

Pro B France is widely recognized as the best second division league in Europe and better than a lot of first division leagues. Every game there was a challenge and I had some individual success but the team struggled so it was another challenge and good learning experience.

Q: You played the 2021-2022 season with Belfius Mons-Hainaut averaging 12.8ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 74.2% in the BNXT and in the FIBA Europe Cupaveraged 11.7ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 33.3%. How key was this season for your basketball development?

This was my first introduction to European competition in the form of the FIBA Europe Cup so it was good to have this experience and to see the level of different countries.

You were teammates with American Justin Cage who played more than a decade with Belfius. What memories do you have of him who was the ultimate teammate?

He was the ultimate leader and the ultimate professional. Everyday you got the same guy that was ready to work and ready to do whatever it took for the team to succeed. I also followed in his foot steps when it came to off the court. He met his wife in Belgium and so did I.

You played a season with Rogaska Crystal (Slovenia-Liga Nova KBM,) averaging PPG-1 (19.4), 4.4rpg, APG-3 (6.5), 1.3spg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 82.9%. What was tougher losing the playoff series to Krka or losing 78-77 to Sencur Gor despite having a triple double?

Definitely losing in the playoffs because we were one game away from making the finals. With the team we had and the budget we had nobody expected us to even make the playoffs in this league and we went to the final four of the Cup and the playoffs so that was a special year. The team we had was special and everybody has gone on to have successful careers after and when you look back on it you can see how talented of a team we had and it just wasn’t a lucky season. We had a great group of guys.

You played your rookie season with Omonia Nicosia (Cyprus-OPAP Basket League) averaging PPG-1 (23.8), 5.2rpg, 4.5apg, SPG-4 (1.9), FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 87.6%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

My wake up call to life overseas was the amount of turn around that I saw in Europe. Within the first two months I had a new coach and 2 new teammates. It showed how cutthroat and how much of a business playing overseas is. No matter what level you are at or how much money you are making. If you don’t perform things can change for you quick in a positive way or in a negative way. So you always have to expect the unexpected.

What was it like being teammates with veteran Nate Britt who played at North Carolina (NCAA)? Was he like a mentor for you?

It was nice playing with a NCAA Champion, anybody with that kind of experience knows how to win and what a winning team looks like. I don’t think the age gap was large enough to call him a mentor or even a veteran because he wasn’t overseas much longer than me. But definitely a guy who had answers if you had questions and had no problem sharing his experiences.

You played at the University at Albany (NCAA) from 2015-2018 and made big strides in your game in your last 2 seasons averaging 17.9ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 83.0% and 14.6ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 41.1%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 77.2%. How did your game grow in your last 2 seasons?

I grew a lot as a basketball player in these two seasons. I went from a freshman that barely played to 1st team all Conference in a year. So playing two very different roles was a good learning experience. Playing with zero expectations and then playing with major expectations helped me for my future.

You played 1 more season with Florida State University (NCAA)averaging 6.4ppg, 1.7rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 47.2%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 69.4%. You reached the NCAA Sweet 16. What memories do you have this run? How tough was it not being able to play Murray State and Gonzaga?

I have a lot of amazing memories of my time at Florida State and our tournament runs in the ACC and NCAA tournament. It was terrible not to be able to finish the season at full strength and with our full team. The last time we played with our entire team we beat the eventual champions Virginia.

You had a great game in a losing cause against North Carolina scoring 16 points. What was it like holding your own against Coby White and other future NBA players? What memories do you have of that game?

When you play at a high level you will find yourself playing against future NBA players multiple times a year so it wasn’t anything unusual. And when you look at our team I was practicing against NBA guys every day.

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

Coach Hamilton is one of the greatest coaches of all time and I was lucky to have played for him. He did everything in his power to make sure I was successful on and off court and later in life.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Trent Forrest?

Strangely enough I don’t think we ever played. I actually don’t ever remember playing 1-1 when I was at Florida State.

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

Zion Williamson was tough to play against because he played both ends at an extremely high level. You had to always know where he was when you were on the court.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Terance Mann (Brooklyn Nets)

Devin Vassell (San Antonio Spurs)

Trent Forrest (Baskonia)

Mfiondu Kabengele (Dubai BC)

Raiquan Gray (AEK)

I will stick with all Florida State Guys.

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore (5 best players ever)?

Kyrie Irving

LeBron James

Michael Jordan

Steph Curry

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’ve never seen either one so I can’t give an answer on this one.

Thanks David for the chat.

The Miles Vs Toru Dean Weekly Basketball Conversation Volume 2

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Toru Dean (183-PG, college: Langston) is a 183cm guard from Miami Florida playing his rookie season overseas with the TSV Bargteheide Bees (Germany-Regionalliga). He began his basketball career with South Miami High School and then played 3 seasons at Barry University (NCAA2) averaging 8.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 65.1% and in his second season averaged 12.0ppg, 3.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 39.2%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 46.2%; and in his third season averaged 9.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.1apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 39.9%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 62.9%. He then finished at Langston University, OK (NAIA) averaging 10.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.5apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 81.0% and 9.4ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.1apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 69.4%. He teams up every week with germanhoops.com to talk basketball.

Congrats Tore on the big 114-69 win over Freibeuter. It seems like every win this season is a cake walk. Was this win as easy as the score suggests?

Honestly, the score looks one-sided, but every game has its moments. We stayed focused, but Freibeuter made us work for it early. Nothing comes easy if you want to play at your best.

Talk a little about the 40 minutes. Was the game as easy as the score shows? Was there any down phase in the game from Bargteheide?

There were a few stretches where we had to reset defensively. I think we handled it well and never let it turn into a long slide. It’s about staying consistent the full 40 minutes, and I think we did that.

Bargteheide did a good job taking care of the ball and won the rebound battle. But despite that, was defense the biggest strength on the night?

Defense always sets the tone for us. We take pride in protecting the paint and forcing turnovers. Tonight, it helped us get out in transition and score easy buckets.

How key was Jamo Ruppert who scored 15 points in 20 minutes off the bench? What do you enjoy most about his game?

Jamo was huge for us tonight. He’s confident, moves without the ball, and always seems to make the right play. I love that he can change the game in a short time—it makes a big difference.

Bargteheide has allowed only 70 points in the last 2 games and eclipsed 100 points on offense in 4 of 5 games. How does the team remain hungry when one is already so good so early in the season?

We try not to get comfortable. Every game is a challenge, and we know there’s always room to improve. Staying humble, working hard in practice, and focusing on the next game keeps us sharp.

You had a great game of 25/4/8/7. How pleased were you with your performance?

I’m happy with my numbers, but it’s about the team first. If my stats help us win, that’s all that matters. I’m just glad we got the W.

You had 7 steals. Are you the minister of defense on the team?

Haha I don’t know about minister, but I take pride in defense. If I can help the team create opportunities and get stops, I’ll do it any night.

You next play Bergedorf who are 3-1. What will be key to getting win?

We have to focus on the little things—ball movement, communication, and taking care of the defensive end. If we do that, we give ourselves a chance to get another W.

Thanks Tore for the chat.