nba

The EPG Baskets Koblenz Fall Apart In The Third Quarter As Phoenix Hagen Roll To Easy 100-67 Victory

The EPG Baskets continue to battle for the playoff spots having won 6 of their last 9 games. They also continue to be hot in their own living room riding a 3 game winning streak. They were focused and wanted revenge on Phoenix Hagen after their 113-97 shoot out loss to them early in the season. Phoenix Hagen was the team to beat as they rested in first place of the Pro A standings with a 15-3 record and had won 5 of their last 6 games. Despite the top record, Phoenix Hagen had to be best prepared, because the EPG Baskets Koblenz were a way better team than the last meeting. The team chemistry had grown dramatically and were a real offensive powerhouse ready to shoot out the lights for their fans once again, but after an explosive offensive showing in the first quarter, their quarter scoring dipped every quarter until the final buzzer. Phoenix Hagen went on a run at the end of the second quarter and then totally took control in the third quarter and never looked back destroying the EPG Baskets Koblenz 100-67. A basketball game has 40 minutes and Koblenz played really well for 17 minutes and that was that. Phoenix Hagen shot better, rebounded better and had less turnovers and that was pretty the story of the game. “We had a bad start where Koblenz had way too many offensive rebounds. However we picked up our game and they had no answer for our zone. We had good ball movement which resulted too many open three´s”, stressed Phoenix Hagen forward Dominick Von Waaden (195-SF-1999). When the Koblenz offense sputters then the players have big difficulty to find their grove back as their game gets effected mentally. “When you play the top team, you need to play well for 40 minutes. We played and shot well for 1,5 quarters. Then when we didn´t see shots fall, we got frustrated. Our leaders need to do a better job holding the team together and being more vocal. We had bad body language and it was the small things that cost us the rest of the way”, stressed EPG Baskets Koblenz assistant coach KJ Sherril.

Jolnas Niedermanner at the FT line

The first quarter was a real strong offensive showing from both teams as combined 46 points were scored and the EPG Baskets Koblenz had the surprising 5 point advantage. There were also 8 lead changes as it seemed like a classical playoff game of 2 teams battling back and forth. Both teams scored 26 three´s combined in the first meeting in Hagen and the first quarter showed a crazy trend of three´s being on the top of the menu. Ex Sacramento State (NCAA) guard Marcus Graves got hot early hitting 2 three´s while Koblenz also lit it up from the parking lot as 2018 NBBL champion Badu Buck and ex Memphis8NCAA) forward DJ Jeffries dropped three´s as they had the slim 12-11 advantage. The game had a high tempo and every now and then both teams tried to execute from the near distance as ex Delta State (NCAA2) guard Devin Schmidt scored back door and ex easyCredit BBL player Aleksa Kovacevic made up a pull up jumper for the 17-16 Koblenz lead. Both teams were moving the ball well and each team´s defense was always a step too slow. The EPG Baskets Koblenz closed out the first quarter with a swift 8-3 run as ex Kirchheim forward Jonas Niedermanner hit a trey and ex Schwenningen guard Devonte Mccall made a lay in and ex Trier forward Jannis Sonnefeld made a offensive rebound and put back for the 25-21 advantage. “Everybody saw a great first quarter by both teams. It was attractive basketball. Koblenz played very aggressive defense and Marcus Graves kept Hagen in the game. We rebounded very well, but could of done a better job guarding the three point line”, stressed EPG Baskets Koblenz sport director Thomas Klein. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 64% form the 2 point range and 38% from outside and had 12 rebounds and 2 turnovers while Phoenix Hagen shot 50% from the 2 point area and 30% from outside and had 8 rebounds and 1 turnover.

Tim Uhlemann with the lay in

The EPG Baskets Koblenz did a good job keeping the lead in the second quarter, but then lost control in the last minutes allowing the guests on a run and losing the lead and they would never regain it. Graves continued to execute well as he added 5 more points, but Koblenz also continued to execute and keep the lead as Jeffries added another three pointer while Mr everything Calvin Wishart added 5 points with a trey and offensive rebound and put back as Koblenz led 35-29. However Phoenix Hagen kept the pressure on and got superb support from their bench as ex Paderborn forward Dominick Von Waaden dropped 2 three´s, but Koblenz always had an answer as Wishart and ex Rhondorf center Alex Moeller made lay in´s for the 39-35 lead. The EPG Baskets Koblenz were really strong on the offensive glass grabbing key offensive rebounds getting extra possessions which led to points. However then came the turning point of the game as Phoenix Hagen went on a lethal 15-6 run to retake the lead at 52-43 at the break and they would never trail again. In the run, the EPG Baskets Koblenz had some defensive let downs as they allowed 2 open three´s to ex Oklahoma State American Jefferey Carroll and modern big man Tim Uhleman also dropped a trey as Phoenix Hagen overpowered them right before the break. Koblenz did get a three pointer from Niedermanner, but Tennessee native Devin Schmidt put another dagger into the hearts of the EPG Baskets Koblenz with a trey to end the first half. “We put in 2 of our big men and didn´t defend their corner three´s. That really hurt us. Von Waaden went 4/4 from outside. You can´t let a bench player have that kind of production. We kept rebounding well though”, stated Thomas Klein. Phoenix Hagen shot 58% from the 2 point area and 48% from the three point line and had 15 rebounds and 4 turnovers while the EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 56% from the field and 33% from the three point line and had 23 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

Calvin Wishart from outside

The EPG Baskets Koblenz continued to score less adding only 13 points in the third quarter while Phoenix Hagen continued to execute well adding 25 points and pretty much had the game decided leading by 24 points after 30 minutes. The EPG Baskets began ok getting some baskets from Ohio native Tim Smith Jr and and a trey from Jeffries, but couldn´t make any ground as Phoenix Hagen still executed getting more valuable production from Tim Uhlemann who added 5 points with a trey and offensive rebound and put back as they led 59-49. But Phoenix Hagen then decided the game early going on a 20-5 run to lead very comfortably 79-54 after 3 quarters. Phoenix Hagen continued to have a high intensity while the EPG Baskets Koblenz couldn´t match it anymore at both ends and had a terrible body language and lost their offensive rhythm. In the run Phoenix Hagen got great offensive support from 13 year easyCredit BBL veteran Fabian Bleck with 6 points while other ex BBL player Dennis Nawrocki also hit a trey. Dutch monster Lucas N Guessan also gave key support adding 7 points as he was unstoppable in the lane. He ended the third quarter with a massive exclamation point with a big 2 handed dunk. The EPG Baskets Koblenz had no more team play, but chose 1-1 play instead while searching for some kind of reasonable intensity. “Our leaders didn´t step up enough. We are a young team and when they see older guys put their heads down, then it becomes a domino effect. When everyone hits shots then everyone is happy, but when we don´t then it´s a problem. We started to get problems with rebounding and couldn´t hit free throws well enough”, added KJ Sherril. “We continued to heighten our defense. We gave up less points than the quarter before. We played smarter defense putting on as little less pressure. Our zone worked well and got easy baskets as a result of it”, added Dominick Von Waaden. Phoenix Hagen shot 59% from the 2 point range and 41% from the parking lot and had 31 rebounds and 9 turnovers and the EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 40% from the field and 30% from the parking lot and had 31 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Lucas N´Guessan at the FT line

Nothing changed in the fourth quarter as Phoenix Hagen continued to be consistent on offense executing well and playing their game while the EPG Baskets Koblenz once again scored less again than the last quarter allowing the guests to close out the game easily. There seemed to be a shimmer of hope in the first minutes as the EPG Baskets Koblenz went on a 4-0 run with a Smith Jr 20 footer and Buck free throws and got 5 stops to trail only 77-60. However that little burst of hope didn´t rattle Phoenix Hagen as they found their groove again going on a 6-0 run as Uhlemann nailed a 10 footer, ex Giessen guard Bjarne Kraushaar made a nifty move on the base line and made a reverse lay up and Bleck made a lay in for the 83-60 advantage. Jeffries stopped the run with a three pointer and then a lay in to trail 85-65, but the guests had everything under control. Phoenix Hagen had no let up in the last 5 minutes, but instead closed out the game with a crushing 15-2 run to give Koblenz some real soul searching after the buzzer sounded. In the run, the guests received good support from many guys as ex Ulm forward Marvin Omuvwie, Guessan and Von Waaden with lay in´s. They also got 6 points from Slovenian player Jan Razdevsek who usually plays for their farm team Hagen Haspe (Regionalliga)made his Pro A debut and definitely didn´t disappoint. All that the EPG Baskets Koblenz got in that faze was a 20 footer by McCall. “They began well at the start of the fourth quarter. We were a little cocky. We have to stay focused for 40 minutes. We got calm again and got back to team ball and got good shots and refrained from 1-1 play”, commented Dominick Von Waaden who had a career day with 14 points. “I have always like this arena. I remember I played well here with PS Karlsruhe. My teammates found me well tonight”, added Dominick Von Waaden. “We began well, but ten dropped our heads again when we started missing shots again. It was the little things like easy missed lay ups, rebounding and free throws that cost us”, explained KJ Sherril. Phoenix Hagen were led by Marcus Graves and Tim Uhlemann with 15 points a piece while The EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by DJ Jeffries and Calvin Wishart with 11 points a piece. Phoenix Hagen shot 49% from the field and 38% from outside and had 44 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 35% from the field and 28% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 20 turnovers.

Marko Petric(Wurzburg) Learned Hard Work From His Dad Marin And Knows That Without Him Wouldn´t Be Playing Basketball Today

I remember the time of year as it was yesterday. It was early spring in 2013 and I was driving to Duesseldorf to see game 3 between Duesseldorf and Nurnberg. The main reason I went was too see my friend Murat Didin who was coaching Duesseldorf at that time. I had got to know Didin when he coached Frankfurt when I had just got into basketball reporting in 2004. There were some players at that time that I enjoyed watching like Ahmad Smith and Zamal Nixon or Adam Waleskowski and Kendall Chones, but Marin Petric sure wasn´t one of them. But I surely respected Petric just like any other player. I was already interviewing guys then like crazy and just loved reporting about them. Nurnberg won game 3 to lead 2-1 in games and wouldn´t wilt as they came back from behind to win the series 3-2, then proceed and beat Jena, but lose in the final against Vechta. Petric had a strong series averaging 16/4r in the last 4 games against Nurnberg series and would play many more years until he retired in 2020. When all was said and done, he had played 20+ years and played more than 400 professional games and played for 14 clubs. He mostly played in Germany, but also had stints in Spain and Switzerland. I saw him play numerous times when he played with clubs like Trier, RheinStars and the Scanplus Baskets. I also saw him play in a special game in the summer of 2017 when he played for a team put together of German players that battled the University of Iowa (NCAA) in Heidelberg in a charity game for Basketball Aid. What is Marko´s earliest memory of seeing his dad play? “Unfortunately, I didn’t see him in his prime, but I still remember many good years. My first memories are from the 2012/2013 season in Düsseldorf, when the team was in the Pro A final against Vechta. He was always a great shooter and a hard worker, and that’s what stands out most about him as a player”, remembered Marko Petric (202-SG-2008). A few years ago, I witnessed the name of Marko Petric and it didn´t take me long to put 1 and 1 together that he was the son on Marin. It is always nice to see the offspring of former players come on the scene and play basketball and then being able to witness them develop and grow is such a joy. It also shows me that I have been around for a while reporting on the sport.

pic credit : Chiara Greve

Marko Petric who lists 7´3 big man Australian Rocco Zikarsky as his toughest opponent that he has faced so far in his career was born on April 21, 2008 in Spain where dad Marin was playing with C.B. Aridane Tenerife (Spain-EBA). He moved around a lot simply because his dad played in many different places. He came to Germany and lived 2 years in Freiburg, 6 years in Duesseldorf and 7 years in Ulm. “. Basketball was always a big part of my life, my weekends were usually spent in the gym, either watching my dad play or playing myself. Aside from that, I’d say I had a pretty normal childhood”, stressed Marko Petric. Growing up his dad as well as Steph Curry and Michael Jordan were his biggest influences. When you’re a small kid and all you see is your dad playing basketball day after day, it is only logical that you build a special relationship to the game. “Without my dad, I probably wouldn’t play basketball. Growing up in the gym watching him made me fall in love with the game. Early on, I tried to copy him as much as possible, but nowadays I’ve developed my own style. His impact was and still is huge”, warned Marko Petric. A lot has changed with work ethic in the last 20 years with young players mainly with so many outside influences, but luckily for Marko, he knows exactly what that is. “Especially in my early years, I learned almost everything from my dad. The most important lesson he taught me was that hard work is necessary to develop as a player. He coached me on all aspects of the game, which allows me to play as a guard now, even at 2.02 meters tall. It definitely helps that he was a guard too, as he can pass on his experience to me”, stressed Marko Petric.

Pic Credit: Chiara Greve

Hisis dad played his last pro season with Orange Academy which is where son Marko who lists Michael Jordan as his GOAT began his pro career in the youth sector. It was in this time that he sampled vital first experiences with basketball and even found another basketball mentor besides his dad. “Playing in Ulm against all the talented players was always great competition. Besides my dad, my early mentor was Max Becker in the U10 and U12 teams. During those years, we were very successful. Max helped me enjoy the game and taught me to be a leader and a team player”, remembered Marko Petric. That summer he competed at the FIBA U16 European Championship in Skopje (North Macedonia) averaging 2.3ppg, 1.2rpg. He then took the next step and moved to Vechta. Vechta is known since years as being a top organization in the youth sector. “Vechta was the first time I practiced with a professional team and competed against grown men. That experience helped me learn to read the game better and find solutions against physical players. Off the court, it was a big learning experience too, as it was my first time living on my own”, said Marko Petric. He was a young player that always seemed to play older than his age kind of like Ivan Kharchenkov. Head coach Harm-Ubbo Horst gave him the opportunity to become a major force on the NBBL squad as a 15 year old. “It was a very positive experience to be a starter most of the season among all the other talented and older players, and to earn Habbo’s trust to defend Ivan Kharchenkov in the semifinals. In my second year, he gave me a leading role on another strong team, even though I was still in my “rookie” year in the NBBL”, remembered Marko Petric. He also played 7 Pro A games and made his debut at age 15. In his first NBBL season he averaged 7.3ppg, 2.7rpg, FGP: 38.5%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 70.0% and helped to finally bring the title to Vechta after 2 consecutive final loses. “It was one of the best moments of my life. We worked extremely hard all season to finally win the NBBL title, especially after losing multiple years in a row. It was a huge relief when we pulled it off. It’s hard to pick just one moment, because the whole week after the win was amazing as we celebrated nonstop”, commented Marko Petric. He had the fortune to be teammates with 2 incredible young players with Johan Grunloh and Jack Kayil who didn´t only make an impact on the court. “When I think of Jack and Johann, I first think of how great they are as people. All of us young players looked up to them for what they did on the court, but off the court, they were just like one of us. I believe both of them will play in the NBA someday”, warned Marko Petric. That first season he also had the luck to play at the well known Albert Schweitzer tournament for the German U-17 team that featured coaching legend Dirk Bauermann as the head coach averaging 7,0ppg and 3,5rpg. “As a U17 team, it was a tough tournament where we lost every game. But for me personally, it was a great experience to play against top prospects from around the world while being two years younger than the competition. Dirk Bauermann is the most accomplished German coach ever, and playing for him was an honour. He was tough on us, but overall it was a special experience and I learned a lot”, added Marko Petric. That summer he played at the FIBA U16 EuroBasket in Heraklion (Greece) averaging 8.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 21.6%.

Last season the young German who lists Dirk Nowitzki, Dennis Schröder, Franz Wagner, and Andi Obst on his personal German NBA Mount Rushmore played his second season with Vechta and made big strides in the NBBL averaging 16.9ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 77.1% where he had a 33 point explosion against Bonn Rhondorf while in the Pro A his minutes rose from 6 to 14. He also had extra experience playing with men playing for SC RASTA Vechta 3rd team (Regionalliga) averaging 12.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 60.4%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 70.6%. He had a 29 point game against Bramsche. “Last season I started getting good minutes in the Pro A. I had the chance to defend the best players at the Pro A level and learned to compete against grown men. What helped me most was getting used to playing in front of big crowds, like in Trier and Hagen”, explained Marko Petric. He surely could of remained in Vechta for a third season, but instead decided to take on a new challenge in Wurzburg with a double license to play BBL and Pro B. He must be taking a bit after his dad with moving around so much as a player. “I felt that moving to Würzburg would be great for my development as a guard. The Baskets offer young players many opportunities to improve individually and within the team. With Sasa and Alex as coaches, I have a lot to learn. I’m never afraid of competition, in fact, it motivates me to assert myself against talented players, and I think we have many great players in Würzburg too”, said Marko Petric. He knows exactly what he wants to achieve in his first year in Wurzburg. “My main goals are to take responsibility on the Pro B team and help us win as many games as possible. In the BBL, I want to earn minutes and have a positive impact every time I step on the court. I also want to further develop my guard skills as I get the chance to play as a guard in the Pro B”, warned Marko Petric. He has needed no adjustment time in the Pro B as he is averaging 10.9ppg,4,8rpg, 2,4apg and 1,3spg. He is playing for ex pro and head coach Alex King who like him played at a high level at a young age in Frankfurt. “With the Pro B team, I’m asked to be a leader on both ends of the floor. Most of the time, I’m guarding the other team’s best player. On offense, I’m expected to create for myself and my teammates. Because I’m very vocal, I also bring a lot of energy and emotion. Working with Alex has been really fun so far. He has a lot of experience from his playing days, and you can learn a lot from him. As a coach, he’s passionate and demands a lot from us, but that’s what we need to improve individually and as a group”, stressed Marko Petric. He also has had his easyCredit BBL debut logging 8 minutes against the MLP Academics Heidelberg and made a free throw. “The best moments were scoring my first point and being on the court with one of my best friends, Noah Koch. I’m thankful for the opportunity to play 8 minutes in my first BBL game. It was a great experience”, said Marko Petric.

Pic credit: FIBA

The 202cm shooting guard who names Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is a player like with EPG Baskets Koblenz American Tim Smith Jr who compares his game to Boston Celtic Jayson Tatum. “Like him, I’m a tall player who can handle the ball and create my own shot, while also being effective off the ball. Defensively, we’re similar too, as we can both guard multiple positions at a high level”, said Marko Petric. He has shown his Swiss Army qualities since years as doing a bit of everything has always been his strong suit. “Versatility is definitely one of my biggest strengths. I can impact the game even if one aspect isn’t working, whether it’s offense, defense, or something else”, said Marko Petric. Last season he shot a strong 41% from outside in the NBBL while in the Regionalliga shot 27% and currently shooting 31% in the Pro B. “Shooting has always been an important part of my game. Over the last two years, I think I’ve become more consistent with my three-pointer, and my goal this season is to continue building on that progress”, warned Marko Petric. His size and long arms gives him special qualities on the defensive end that helps make an impact not only on the offensive end. “I always want to guard the opposing team’s best player, regardless of position. Since I started playing, I’ve taken pride in my defense. I think I can improve as an off-ball defender, like being better in reading passing lanes and fighting over screens”, stated Marko Petric. He also knows exactly what he has to do to continue to do every day in practice to continue to improve his game. “I’m not focusing on just one area. I want to improve at all levels of the game”, warned Marko Petric. It is always interesting to hear what young players will say when they are asked if their goal is the NBA or Euroleague. American guys will mostly say NBA while German kids will choose the NBA, but many also rather would reach the Euroleague. For him why not both? “Like most players, I dream of making it to the NBA, but I’d also love to experience playing in the EuroLeague because of the incredible fan culture and atmosphere. For now, I’m focused on improving every day and becoming the best version of myself”, stressed Marko Petric.

Matthew Goodwin(London Lions) Knows That He Has To Be Almost Perfect Daily In Order To Get Minutes

Matthew Goodwin (188-PG-2005) is a 20 year old 188cm point guard currently playing for the London Lions (SLB). He began his basketball career with the Manchester Magic playing for their U-19 team averaging 16.7ppg, 5.6rpg, APG-3 (6.5), 2.5spg, FGP: 35.1%, 3PT: 29.9%, FT: 77.8% while also playing 6 BBL games. Last season he moved to the London Lions playing 27 games and averaging 1,0ppg. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against the Niners Chemnitz.

Thanks Matthew for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your second season with the London Lions (SLB). What kind of an experience has it been for you? What have you enjoyed most about it?

It has been nothing but a positive experience. I have learnt so much and improved so much at such a rapid rate

I have enjoyed the challenge the most. Playing against older and stronger players is going to be difficult but it has been fun competing against them and I love a challenge

Your playing a Eurocup game against German team Chemnitz. How have you followed German basketball the last years? Is there a German player that has really stood out to you?

I haven’t watched much German basketball if I’m being completely honest. I tend to watch Euroleague and Eurocup the most

The London Lions are having a great season in the SLB. How big is the hunger to win titles with this great organization?

The hunger is always there. The lions has had an incredible history of winning titles and it’s almost our duty as players to keep adding to the silverware

Currently the club is a top the SLB. What has been the secret to the success?

The secret is defense. Always has been and always will be. Our team´s ability to limit shots but also to make shots difficult has made our lives a lot easier on the offensive end. Our defense fuels our offense

What has it been like playing with such talented guards like ex NBA player Chasson Randle and Shaver Reynolds? What have you soaked up most from those 2 on and off the court?

Those 2 and loads others have been amazing role models. They show me loads of details on the floor and help me with my game. But further they show me what it takes to be a professional. Taking care of your body with recovery. Eating the right food. How to be a good husband. They have impacted me on and off the floor

There are many great UK players on the team as well with Williams, Rai and Sandy just to name a few? Which player has had the biggest impact on you?

Tarik Philip is the biggest impact. He shows so much interest into helping me get better and improving my game. He’s honest with me and firm but at the same time caring. He’s been a massive help

What has it been like playing for Tautvydas Sabonas? How has he helped shape you to be the player that you are today?

He’s intense let’s be honest. But that has brought the best out of me. He has made me be more hungry and more aggressive and proved I can do things I never thought I was capable of. He has brought out a side of me I didn’t know I had and it’s such a positive result

Let´s talk about your game. You have had sparse minutes last season and this season. How tough is the battle on a daily basis to get playing time for the Lions?

It’s a constant battle. You have to be almost perfect daily. And the people I´m competing with for minutes are Ex NBA players and some of the best UK talent so it is very difficult but like I said I love a challenge

You’re a 188cm guard that fills the stat sheet well. If you had to compare your game to an NBA or Euroleague player who would best fit the description?

I’d have to say Alex Caruso. Plays his role well. Plays solid defense and makes the right read. Hits an open shot if he has it and if in doubt can go ISO ball with a mismatch

You’re a guard that fills the stats sheet really well. Talk about your offensive game. What are your biggest strengths?

I’d say my biggest strength is shooting from behind the arc. Whether it’s a spot up 3 or a off the dribble 3. I’ve been missing a few in game recently but I know I can make the because I was last season in SLB

Your three pointer is still a work in progress. Talk a little bit about the development of your three pointer. What kind of a shooter are you now and where do you want to be in the next years?

Like I said I’m missing a few as of now. But I hope to become a 40-45% three point shooter. A threat on the catch and shoot and the pull up

Your also an ambitious defender. Talk a little about your defensive game. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I think I’m a little nuisance. Out there to cause havoc and create a problem for the offense by being physical and disciplined. I want to become a sound defender. I want to be the guy you put out there to stop there best player

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

I want to improve my point guard skills. Reading the game quicker and understanding what to do when in terms of running plays

You began your basketball career with the Manchester Magic (NBL D2) How valuable were these early years for your basketball development? Did you have a mentor there?

Massively important. The foundations of my game were learnt there. I had loads of Coaches in Manchester, each of them providing something. Joe Forber, Sergio Lara Bercial, Will Brown and Peter Pareskeva are to name a few

You made a big jump in your game with the Manchester Magic Academy U19 team (U19 League) averaging 16.7ppg, 5.6rpg, APG-3 (6.5), 2.5spg, FGP: 35.1%, 3PT: 29.9%, FT: 77.8% in your last year. How did your game grow there?

It grew quickly. Teams were quick to learn that I could score so they adapted rapidly to forcing the ball out of my hands with a double team or Box and 1 defense. So it made me learn how to deal with such defense. But also gave me confidence to be more aggressive

You got your first BBL experience with the Magic. What do you remember from your first game in the BBL?

Technically my first BBL game was against Cheshire Phoenix with Manchester Magic in a Pre season match up. I hit a corner 3 and the crowd went wild!! I was only 16 so they were all happy to see me succeed

Last season you were teammates with experienced TU Holloway. What memories will you always have learning from a veteran like him? What could you soak up most from his game?

He is a veteran! He understands the game so well and has mastered his craft. His ability to get a bucket is like nothing I’ve ever seen. He taught me so much about how to use my body to create space and how to read defense quicker and better

You also have played for the UK U-18 and U-20 national teams. How is the state of British basketball at the moment? What young players are to watch in the next few years?

British basketball in my eyes is on the mend and will be getting much better soon

What is your biggest goal as a player? Is the Euroleague a realistic goal for you or do you have another big goal?

I think having an unrealistic goal is the entire point. So if you do reach your goal, you have reached a level no one thought you could. And if you fail you’ll end up higher than those who set a fixed goal. My goal is always Euroleague/NBA and always will be. Will I get there? I’m not sure but I’m putting in the work daily in order to get there

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

I’d have to say Ray Mcallum. He practiced with us for a little bit last season while he was in London. And he was such a creative and smart player and was always able to manipulate you to get what he wants

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

In no particular order. And this is in terms of teammates who are nice people and how they treated me

Ryan Mikesell

Sean Flood

Evan Walshe

Tarik Philip

Joel Scott

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of UK and NBA players?

UK

Luol Deng. Dan Clarke. Gabe Olaseni. Quin Ellis

NBA

LeBron James. Michael Jordan. Kobe Bryant. Kareem Abdul Jabbar

Who is your GOAT?

LeBron James

Favourite player thouh is Mike James

Thanks Matthew for the chat.

Ivan Crnjac Nails 2 Clutch Shots In Crunch-Time To Propel The Skyliners Juniors To 74-70 Upset Win Over BBC Coburg

Sometimes all it takes to get back on track is filling the roster with some new bodies. That is exactly what the Skyliners Juniors did shortly before Xmas and bang the club was riding a 2 game winning streak. With the arrival of rookie Desmond Watson and experienced Pro A player Moses Poelking, the team was bolstered with serious scoring power with the American and inside stability from the German. Frankfurt wanted to keep the winning streak alive, but had no cake walk with top Pro B team BBC Coburg who were resting in first place and sparkled at both ends with top offense and defense qualities. It was one of those games where the Skyliners Juniors never gave up and didn´t capture their first lead until 30 seconds before the end. Sometimes it´s simply better late than never. The hero at the end was Ivan Crnjac (203-F-2007) with 2 clutch buckets and a massive block from Moses Poelking to seal the 74-70 victory. “We had a bad start and just weren´t focused. We didn´t play as a team at both ends. In the second half, we played better as a team and had more precision in our game. Our communication and presence on defense was outstanding. We filled all the holes and our will was so big to win”, stressed Skyliner Junior Ivan Crnjac. BBC Coburg played a great first half, but in the second half weren´t as strong anymore as they allowed Frankfurt to hang around and sneak out the win. “We had a great start and played with a very high intensity on the defensive end. We lost that in the second half. They got way too many easy baskets in the second half and they stepped up their defense and we weren´t able to convert the way we did in the first half”, stressed BBC Coburg forward Darius Dawson.

Lukas Smazak at the FT line

The first quarter belonged to BBC Coburg as they stormed out catching the Skyliners Juniors on the wrong foot going on a 17-2 run and after 10 minutes led very comfortably 27-12. American Darius Dawson who compares his game to San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle was a one man wrecking crew scoring the first 7 points with a trey and 2 lay in´s. Canadian Dylan Fasoyiro who compares his game to New York Knick Josh Hart also made a lay in while German Tim Herzog also scored with ease in the paint. BBC Coburg displayed their disciplined style moving the ball well as Frankfurt was unable to match their intensity. Frankfurt also coughed up the ball too much not getting adjusted to the aggressive defense of the guests. Rookie Desmond Watson was aggressive but his shots weren´t falling. Frankfurt then finally got better into their offense as ex Kronberg big man Florian Dietrich scored twice and ex Neustadt forward Leif Zentgraf also connected on a lay in. Frankfurt was more aggressive and found some cracks in the zone to get their inside game to work. However Frankfurt´s improved game was slowed down a bit as ex Skyliner Junior Leo Cosic dropped a huge trey at the buzzer to give BBC Coburg the 15 point advantage after 10 minutes. BBC Coburg shot 60% from the field and 57% from outside and had 8 rebounds and 3 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 29% form the field and 0% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 7 turnovers. “We had a horrible start and had 2 turnovers in a row. We didn´t do a good job keeping our man in front of us on 1-1 defense”, stressed Ivan Crnjac.

Dylan Fasoyiro from outside

BBC Coburg continued their consistency in the second quarter as they controlled the game and led 48-30 at half-time. The Skyliners Juniors kept up their spirited play in the second quarter and continued to execute well as Dusan Nikolic and Desmond Watson made lay in´s, but BBC Coburg had the comfortable 31-18 lead. Skyliners Juniors head coach Markus Klusemann gave Florian Dietrich the green light and the German responded doing a good job getting good position near the rim and scored 3 buckets in a row and suddenly Frankfurt trailed only 33-25. But BBC Coburg did a great job staying calm and punched back the way a top team should with a lethal 13-0 run to extend their lead to 46-25. BBC Coburg played great team basketball and just showed pretty love sharing the ball and getting a lot of support from all and took good care of the ball. BBC Coburg played some long ball and showed their great three point qualities getting long bombs from 17 year old German Felix Egger, Austrian Nico Holleri and Fasoyiro. Frankfurt got very sloppy again turning the ball over too much and couldn´t play their fast game. Frankfurt was lucky to get 5 consecutive points from Desmond Watson to close in the gap a bit and trail by 18 points at the break. BBC Coburg shot 50% from the field and 47% from the three point line and had 18 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 39% from the field and 11% from the three point line and had 19 rebounds and 11 turnovers. “The second quarter was like the first quarter. We gave up another run, but hit a few more shots, but overall, we weren´t ready on defense”, commented Ivan Crnjac.

Desmond Watson on the drive

In the third quarter the Skyliners Juniors continued to fight and come back step by step and executed a lot better on offense outscoring BBC Coburg 26-13 to trail only 61-56 after 30 minutes. The Skyliners Juniors had a great start going on a 8-2 run to trail only 50-38. In the run, Frankfurt was sparked by universal genius Ivan Crnjac who scored back to back drives while Florian Dietrich continued to be a nasty beast scoring twice in the paint. Frankfurt had nothing lax about their game as their intensity was growing possession by possession. Frankfurt wasn´t able to get over the hump as despite getting 2 vital lay in´s by Watson, BBC Coburg continued to hit big three´s as Hollerl and Egger hit and they were able to hold the 60-44 lead. BBC Coburg always had an answer and were able weather the storm in difficult situations. What the Skyliners Juniors needed was a big play and that was exactly what they got as ex Pro A player Moses Poelking supplied the big throw down to trail 60-46. That big play sparked Frankfurt as they closed out the last minutes with a lethal 10-1 run to trail only by 5 points with 10 minutes to play. Watson continued to be aggressive adding 6 points while Edoka stroked home a trey. “Frankfurt moved the ball better and Watson was able to create for himself. Frankfurt did allow some open three´s, but overall their 1-1 defense was superb”, stated TV Langen forward Drago Crnjac. “Frankfurt increased their defensive intensity. We had massive problems being able to get into our offense”, said Darius Dawson. BBC Coburg shot 47% from the field and 50% from the parking lot and had 22 rebounds and 8 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 45% from the field and 20% from the parking lot n and had 29 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Darius Dawson at the FT line

The Skyliners continued to battle in their come back in the fourth quarter and were rewarded in crunch-time as they hit clutch shots and got a big defensive play to seal the win. Dawson put BBC Coburg on the board first in the fourth quarter with a 20 footer as they led 63-56. However the Skyliners Juniors continued to put a lot of pressure defensively on the guests which caused turnovers and Lukas Smazak had a big block while Watson made a lay in and Jamie Edoka hit free throws as Frankfurt trailed 63-60. Both teams now traded baskets as Frankfurt was so close to gaining the lead, but just couldn´t yet. BBC Coburg got baskets from Herzog and Dawson while Frankfurt got key scores from Watson and 5 points from Edoka, but the guests led 68-67 as the lead wasn´t far away for the Skyliners Juniors. BBC Coburg kept the pressure on as Herzog made a lay in as BBC Coburg led 70-67. But that was the last points that BBC Coburg would achieve as the Skyliners Juniors closed out the game with a 7-0 run to win. Ivan Crnjac took over in the last minute scoring 2 baskets in a row and his second which was the winner was a pretty off balance shot of the glass. “My three wasn´t falling so I decided to attack. They were always coming out at me at the line so I drove. I saw the help coming over and I had no pass so I tried to finish as best as I could”, stressed Ivan Crnjac. “Ivan made a big difference. He made big shots, rebounded well and made big steals”, added Drago Crnjac. Frankfurt wanted to win so bad which showed when Leif Zentgraf was hit hard on the head while helping on defending Dawson who was blocked by Poelking which led to Edoka free throws and the 73-70 lead with 17 seconds to paly. “The block was a big moment. I saw Leif covering Dawson and I wanted to help. I´m glad I was able to get the block”, smiled Moses Poelking. Holleri then missed a shot and Ivan Crnjac made a free throw to seal the win. “This was a total team effort. Frankfurt played outstanding defense in the fourth quarter. Frankfurt played good team ball and were consistent on defense”, stated Drago Crnjac. “Their intensity was different at the end. You could feel their pressure and nothing was easy for us anymore. They communicated really well on defense”, added Darius Dawson. The Skyliners Juniors were led by Desmond Watson with 28 points while Florian Dietrich added 14 points and Jamie Edoka 12 points while BBC Coburg were led by Darisu Dawson with 19 points while Nico Hollerl had 13 points and Dylan Fasoyiro added 12 points. The Skyliners Juniors shot 44% from the field and 18% from outside and had 41 rebounds and 16 turnovers while BBC Coburg shot 415 from the field and 40% from outside and had 31 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

               

JUCO Taught John Williams(Bayer Giants Leverkusen) To Fight For Everything And To Block Out Excuses

John Williams (193-SG-1999, college: FIU) is a 193cm guard playing his third pro season and first with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen (Pro A) currently averaging 14,7ppg, 3,7rpg and 1,4apg. Last season he played with at BKM Lucenec (Slovakia-Tipos SBL) averaging 13.4ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 44.0%, FT: 58.3%. He played his rookie season with EJ Sligo All-Stars (Ireland-Super League) averaging 23.1ppg, 8.6rpg, 3.1apg, 1.3spg, 2PT: 63.8%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 67.7%. He began his basketball career with TW Josey High Schooö and then played a season with Ventura College (JUCO): He then played a season with Barton County Community College (JUCO) averaging 8.6ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 38.9%, 3PT: 27.6%, FT: 75.0%. He then played 2 seasons with Glenville State College (NCAA2) averaging 27.8ppg, 7.5rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 55.1%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 74.2% and 24.4ppg, 8.6rpg, 3.9apg, 1.2spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 30.1%, FT: 71.4%. He then finished his college career at Florida International University (NCAA) averaging 5.3ppg, 1.9rpg, FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 16.0%, FT: 61.9%. He spoke to germanhoops.com last summer about basketball.

Thanks John for talking to germanhoops.com. After stops in Ireland and Slovakia, your journey continues in Germany. How blessed are you to be able to play overseas?

I feel extremely blessed. Basketball has opened doors for me to experience different cultures, meet incredible people, and grow both as a player and as a person. Not everyone gets the chance to live out their dream and travel the world doing what they love, so I don’t take a single day for granted.

If one looks at the stats, you have only been overseas as a player for 4 months your first years. Do you in a way still feel like a rookie this season in Germany?

In some ways, yes because every new country and league brings its own style, challenges, and learning curve. But at the same time I train and play against a lot of high level pros all summer so I carry the experience and lessons from those guys with me. I approach each game with the mindset of a student, but also with the confidence that I can perform on any level.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball?

Germany has a very organized and competitive basketball system, with great fan support and a strong tradition of developing talent. It’s a country that takes its sports seriously, and basketball here is growing every year, especially with the recent success of the national team.

Have you ever had any ex teammates, opponents or friends ball in Germany? Ex Grenville State great Lamar Mallory played successfully in Germany years ago.

Yes, I’ve had a few connections who played here, and I’ve always heard great things about the professionalism and competitiveness of the German leagues.

Your playing for German Pro A team Bayer Giants Leverkusen. Were you aware of the amazing history of this organization? What were the main reasons for joining this fine organization?

Yes, I was aware. The Giants have a rich tradition and are one of the most storied clubs in German basketball history. The winning culture, strong fan base, and the chance to play in a respected organization made this an easy choice. I wanted to be somewhere that values team success and player development, and Leverkusen checks all the boxes

How did the talks go with German basketball legend Mike Koch? Did you know that he won the 1993 Euro and won a Euroleague title? What did you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy?

Talking with Coach Mike was inspiring I could tell he understands what it takes to win at the highest level. What I appreciated most is his emphasis on team first basketball and attention to detail. He wants us to play smart, disciplined, and together, which fits my style perfectly.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 193cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fill the description?

John Wall.

You’re an amazing scorer as well as a great rebounder. What other strengths does your offensive game posses?

I say my versatility. I’m comfortable creating my own shot, spacing the floor as a shooter, and attacking closeouts. I take pride in reading defenses and making the right play, whether that’s scoring or setting up a teammate. I also like to push the pace in transition and keep the defense on its heels.

Your also a very amazing rebounder. What is your secret to being able to rebound at a high volume despite your height?

It comes down to effort, timing, and anticipation. A lot of it is just wanting the ball more than the next guy,rebounding is as much about mentality as it is about size.

You have averaged 39% from outside in your last 2 seasons. What do you credit your improvement to shooting the ball better in the last 2 years?

Consistency in my work. I put a lot of reps in the gym, focusing not just on volume but on game-speed shooting. I’ve also worked on my shot preparation being ready before I catch the ball and making sure my mechanics stay the same every time. Confidence plays a big role, too.

How would you describe your defensive game at the moment? What kind of a defender do you still want to become?

Right now, I’d say I’m a versatile, physical defender who can guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes. I want to become an even more ELITE on-ball defender someone who can consistently lock down top scorers and be trusted in any matchup late in the game

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

I’m working on expanding my playmaking making quicker reads and creating more opportunities for teammates. I’m also focusing on improving my free throw percentage.

Last season you played with BKM Lucenec (Slovakia-Tipos SBL) averaging 13.4ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 44.0%, FT: 58.3%. How tough was this season? You signed late at the end of Feb and played only a month. Were you even able to unpack in Slovakia?

It was definitely a whirlwind. Signing that late in the season, I had to adjust quickly to a new system, new teammates, new environment all in a short period of time. Honestly, I barely had time to unpack, but it taught me how to adapt fast and be ready to contribute right away.

You played your rookie season with EJ Sligo All-Stars (Ireland-Super League) averaging 23.1ppg, 8.6rpg, 3.1apg, 1.3spg, 2PT: 63.8%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 67.7%. You were only 3 months in Ireland. Why was the stay so short and what positives could you soak up from this experience?

My time in Ireland was short because I got hurt unfortunately. But I learned a lot especially about adapting quickly to a new style of play and being a leader in a short time frame. The fans and community in Sligo were amazing, and it gave me confidence knowing I could make an impact right away in a new environment.

How vital was it from your basketball development going to 4 schools with 2 Juco, I D-1 and one D-2 school. How did you become a more rounded player by seeing so many different things at each school?

It was huge for my growth. Every program had a different system, coaching style, and set of expectations. I learned to be adaptable, to find ways to contribute no matter the role, and to absorb as much as I could from each stop. By the time I finished college, I had seen just about every kind of basketball environment, which made me a more complete and resilient player

You played at JUCO schools Ventura College and Barton County Community College (JUCO). Every guy that I have interviewed that have played JUCO have reported that JUCO was a real grind, but an unforgettable experience. How was it for you and how vital was it for your development as a player and man?

JUCO was definitely a grind, long days, tough practices, and a lot of guys hungry for the same opportunities. It taught me discipline and mental toughness. You learn to fight for everything you get and to block out excuses. Those years shaped my work ethic and prepared me for the challenges of higher levels.

You then played 2 seasons at Glenville State College (NCAA2) averaging 27.8ppg, 7.5rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 55.1%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 74.2% and 24.4ppg, 8.6rpg, 3.9apg, 1.2spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 30.1%, FT: 71.4%. Your game really took off in these 2 years. What kind of a player were you coming in and what kind of player did you become?

Coming in, I was more of a scoring guard who relied heavily on athleticism and getting to the rim. Over my two seasons there, I developed into a more complete player, improving my shooting, decision-making, and leadership. I became someone who could score in multiple ways, involve teammates, and take on more responsibility on both ends of the floor.

How key was head coach Justin Caldwell for your development? What could you soak up most from his basketball wisdom?

Coach Caldwell was extremely important. He believed in me and gave me the green light to play my game while also challenging me to be better in areas I wasn’t as strong. He emphasized preparation, poise, and playing the game the right way, which helped me mature as both a player and a person

You had some incredible games at Glenville State like hitting Frostburg State for 52 points and had a magical triple double of 23/10/14 against Davis and Elkins. What was your favorite game there?

The 52-point game against Frostburg State will always stand out, nights like that don’t come often. But the triple-double against Davis & Elkins might be my favorite because it showed the all-around impact I could have on a game, not just scoring.

You then finished at Florida International University (NCAA) averaging 5.3ppg, 1.9rpg, FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 16.0%, FT: 61.9%. How did your game profit there? You had good minutes in the first few months, then they went down for 5 weeks and then in the last month you had good minutes again. What were the reasons for the fluctuations?

My time at FIU helped me get used to the speed, athleticism, and physicality of the D1 level. Even when my minutes dipped, I treated every practice like game prep and just focused on getting better.In situations like that you just have to stay ready so you don’t have to get ready and control what you can control

How did head coach Jeremy Ballard give you that last push to be prepared for a pro career?

Coach Ballard was big on playing hard every single day. He pushed me to be sharper with my reads, more disciplined defensively, and being a more vocal leader. That level of daily accountability is something I’ve carried into my pro career it’s not about how good you are one night, but how consistent you can be night after nigh

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Denver Jones?

We really don’t play 1s often versus each other but the times we did, we both walked away knowing we couldn’t take a possession off. Our series is 1-1.

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

Toughest players I had to battle that make the NBA is definitely the guys I faced in summer runs and workouts. Those games are competitive and physical, and you really see the difference in pace, shot making, and decision making from NBA players. One that stands out is probably Bones Hyland

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Thats a tough question because I’ve had so many great teammates on and off the court but if I had to choose I would probably say : Elijah Ford (Juco Teammate), Denver Jones (FIU Teammate), Arturo Dean (FIU Teammate), Nick Edwards (Glenville Teammate), Adrian Scarborough ( Glenville Teammate) and Hegel Augustin (Glenville Teammate)

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

For me my mount Rushmore is Jordan, Bron, Kobe, and KD or Steph.

Who is your GOAT?

My goat is Kobe, #LongLiveTheMama

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

I actually don’t remember that sequel I will go back and watch it when I get a chance.

Thanks John for the chat.

Wisdom Uboh’s (DBV Charlottenburg) Height Has Made It Challenging Getting In Certain Doors But Once In The Door He Proved People Wrong

Wisdom Uboh (178-PG, college: Columbus St.) is a 178cm guard that is playing his rookie season overseas with DBV Charlottenburg (Germany-Regionalliga) currently averaging 24,2ppg, 5,5rpg, 4,6apg and 1,5spg. He began his college career at Chattahoochee Valley Community College (JUCO) averaging 13.0ppg, 4.4rpg, 5.2apg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 43.2%, FT: 84.1%. He then played at Columbus State University (NCAA2) from 2021-2025 and in his last 2 seasons averaged 14.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 39.2%, FT: 86.5% and 13.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 41.1%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 82.7%. He got his first pro experience with the Georgia Spartans (UBA) averaging 11.3ppg, 3.0rpg, Assists-5 (2.5apg), Steals-5 (1.3spg), FGP: 46.7%, 3PT: 35.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball last summer.

Thanks Wisdom on talking with germanhoops.com. How blessed do you feel to be playing overseas? Not many guys from Columbus State have come overseas.

I appreciate you for talking to me and thank you it is a blessing. I feel like my dreams of becoming a professional basketball player are coming true. I feel extremely blessed to start that first step as well. And yes it is not easy going professional especially from a division 2 so I will not take it for granted.

You have a cool name with Wisdom. How did you get that name?

Thank you. I love my name. My parents are originally from Nigeria, and some Nigerians like to name the kids that they have with meaning. For instance my sister’s name is Precious and my brother’s name is Divine.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball?

I know Germany has well respected leagues across the world and also has a lot of great players in the NBA, and a lot of hall of famers came from Germany. Therefore, I know Germany is no stranger to basketball, and are really talented and competitive.

Have you had any former teammates, opponents or friends play in Germany?

Yes I had a couple of old teammates and opponents play in Pro B. Also had a teammate that plays in Regionlliga.

How confident are you that you can be a impact player in the Regionalliga? How special is your heart?

I am very confident. All my career I have been extremely competitive so I know I will put my best foot forward every time. I hold myself to a very high standard.

Your only 178cm. I’m sure you have heard it all about your size. How challenging has basketball life been the last years always having to prove yourself?

The only thing that has been challenging to me is getting in certain doors. However, when I get in the door I prove people wrong time and time again.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 178cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

If I had to compare myself to an NBA player I would say a little bit of Isaiah Thomas, Jalen Brunson, and Fred Van Vleet.

You fill the stat sheet well. What are your biggest assets on the court?

My biggest Asset is my shooting, and coming off ball screens to create plays for myself and others.

You have shot the ball really well from outside the last years in the NCAA 2. Where do you see the development of your outside shot and what level do you still want to reach?

Over the years I have been more consistent, and making shots in different ways. Off the dribble, off the catch and any other way. I am still looking to improve. I want to be as efficient as possible.

What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I think I am a good defender. I like to speed people up and cause a disruption especially when opposing point guards set up the offense. I want to become better on ball defender though, and its always room for improvement.

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

Scoring off the dribble mainly pulling up and floaters and other finishing.

You began your career at Chattahoochee Valley Community College (JUCO) averaging 13.0ppg, 4.4rpg, 5.2apg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 43.2%, FT: 84.1%. Every guy I have interviewed that played JUCO have said that JUCO was tough, but an experience they would have traded the world for. How was it for you?

Yes I did, My time at Chattahoochee Valley was great, and it was actually under the head coach Ben Hicks. Juco is tough and it is not easy at all. I loved the experience because everyone on our team was mature and all new what we needed to do. Which was win games.

How valuable was head coach Ben Hicks in your early basketball development? How did he help you most?

He was great for my development and believed in me since day 1. He made me feel at home at CVCC, and I appreciate him till this day for it.

You played 4 years at Columbus State University (NCAA2) averaging 14.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 39.2%, FT: 86.5% and 13.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 41.1%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 82.7%. Your game made big strides. How did your game grow in those last 2 years?

My game took a leap every year because I am around the game so much. Naturally that makes my game improve and I love adding different things to my game every year to make myself better.

You had 2 great games against USCB as a junior. In one game you had 8 steals. What memories do you have of that game?

That game was one of the craziest games I have been a part of because it went into 4 overtimes. The game was an overall good game with talented players.

You had so many great games in the NCAA 2 including 24 points against GSW which you won 78-75 going 6/8 from the field and 12/12 from the ft line. What was your fondest memory there?

That game was fun for me, because it’s on the road and it is a rivalry. Therefore, it will always be a rowdy crowd. In that type of environment and still being great in it was a great experience for me.

How did head coach Robert Moore groom and prepare you best for a pro career?

Coach Robert Moore definitely played a part by watching film with me, showing me other guards from Columbus state that’s currently playing and also having the gyms available for me to get in and to workout in.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Gary Rakeim?

Me and Rakeim Gary never played 1-1. However the battles we had in practice were intense and enjoyable competition we both sharpened each other skills.

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

In terms of affecting the game I would say Walker Kessler. He was in my region in high school, and it just felt like his presence alone affected everything we were trying to do.

Please list your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Roman Son, Jarrett Adderton, Jehloni James , Kordell Brown. Joshua Guilford

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

My personal NBA mount Rushmore people might not like it. I’m going with Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and Stephen Curry.

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James

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

Yes, they definitely could have left it alone or just made a better movie.

Thanks Wisdom for the chat

Versatile Will The Thrill Carius(Patrioti Levice) Will Never Forget His Laettner Like buzzer Beater Against The Bakken Bears

Will Carius (205-F-1998, college: W.Illinois) is a 28 year old 205 cm forward from Pleasant Valley, Iowa playing his fourth professional season and first with Patrioti Levice (Slovakia-Tipos SBL). He played the last 2 seasons with IMMOunited Dukes Klosterneuburg (Austria-BSL) averaging 18.3ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 75.7% and (21.5), 7.0rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 57.5%, 3PT: 28.3%, FT: 73.8%. He played his rookie season with Nunawading Spectres (Australia-NBL One) averaging 21.2ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 60.5%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 72.2%. He began his basketball career with Pleasant Valley High School and then played 2 seasons at Northern Michigan University (NCAA2) averaging 9.8ppg, 6.3rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 76.2% and 12.3ppg, 5.1rpg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 77.0%. He then played 2 seasons at Monmouth College (NCAA3) averaging 25.5ppg, 11.0rpg, 1.7apg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 76.4% and 27.2ppg, 12.0rpg, 1.8apg, 2.5spg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 87.9%. He then finished at Western Illinois University (NCAA) averaging 14.7ppg, 5.1rpg, FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 76.1% and 14.3ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 75.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball Champions League game against Wurzburg.

Thanks Will for talking to germanhoops.comYour playing your third season overseas for Patrioti Levice (Slovakia-Tipos SBL). What kind of an experience has it been for you? What have you enjoyed most about it?

So far it has been a great experience in pretty much all aspects. First off great teammates that found a way to play at a high level together very quickly. Great coaching staff that has given us the tools and confidence to be successful and a management staff and fan base that has been extremely supportive every step of the way so far.

How have you adjusted to the Slovakian way of life? What have you learned to appreciate most about the culture?

Being in a smaller town I can appreciate the quiet, I went to college at a few universities in similar sized areas and am accustomed to it. It is nice to focus on basketball and make the most of the opportunities given. The fan base is very devout as well and has been so supportive and shown us a lot of love thus far and you can tell they have been very passionate about their home team for years.

Patrioti Levice are the top team in the Slovakian league. The team is looking forward to winning it´s 5th league title in a row. How huge is the winning culture within the organization?

It is something I have never been a part of in my career. Such high expectations from the jump but that’s the reason you play the game. You want to play in those big games, games that mean something, so I am excited for the opportunity to play in those situations because they don’t come about often.

How much fun is it playing on a team that is winning? What exactly is your role?

Winning makes a lot of things easier but keeping that momentum going is a challenge all on its own. So far I can’t question anyone’s effort on our team. Everyone comes to practice and games with the same goals and intensity and that makes it such a fun group to be a part of. Everyone is locked in on the same goals. My role from the beginning has been to just make plays in all facets of the game and be versatile. Being able to guard multiple positions defensively, take advantage of mismatches in the post offensively, as well as being able to stretch the floor from 3 when possible. Really just taking advantage of any opportunity I might see on the floor on either end and it has been a very fun freeing way to play.

Your playing a very strong season in both the SBL and BCL. What has been your secret to adjusting so quickly to leagues other than in Austria?

I think I have a lot of experience changing levels from AAU and college. AAU in high school you go from playing local teams to playing top recruits from all over the country. Same with moving up from D3 to D1, certain things you can get away with at a lower level you might not be able to with bigger, faster, more athletic players on the court. That is part of the challenge and I enjoy finding new ways to score and be effective, making an impact no matter what level of competition.

You had an incredible 33 point game and hit the buzzer beater against Bakken for the 100-98 OT win. What memories do you have of the last play.? Was it designed for you?

The most vivid memory I have of that game is just seeing the ball go in. It was such a cool moment and probably the best moment of my career so far. People can say it was a lucky shot but if you see some of the workouts I do over the summer, tough shots are something we work on. I think I was maybe the second or third option on the play, we ran a similar play to get Ricky his 3 to send us to overtime and they did a good job of taking that option away the second time around.

Many have compared that shot to the legendary shot by Christian Laettner shot in 1993 that helped Duke get back to the Final 4. Did you know the shot was going in as it left your hands?

I can’t say it felt perfect out of the hand. They defended it so well I didn’t get a good look at the rim until the ball was almost there. I was having an awful game from 3 that day as well but that’s the beauty of there only being 1 second left there was no time to worry about the shot, just trust your muscle memory.

Let´s talk some more about your game. You’re a 205 cm forward. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I have a hard time finding a perfect comparison of an NBA player with a similar game. I like to watch all positions and take bits and pieces from various players’ games. I think that’s where my pride in versatility on the floor comes into play.

You’re a player that offensively fills the stat sheet very well. What would you classify as your biggest offensive strengths?

I would say finding a way to be a mismatch. Typically if I’m being guarded by a larger player I can set faster screens or ghosts and take advantage of speed. If I’m guarded by a smaller player I can go into the post and make plays as well. I’m still learning ways to be more efficient with these mismatches but regardless of the defense I have confidence that I have the skills to be effective in those situations.

You have always been a solid shooter but never reached the 40% level in college and now. What are you main goals as a shooter as you continue to move up the basketball ladder?

I am definitely still working to continue improving my shooting efficiency. I’m not afraid of tough shots when the team needs them late in shot clocks and that can make a difference in percentages but that consistency piece when I do get open looks I need to take advantage of those as much as possible. I am always working to improve that aspect because it is probably one of the most important to have moving up levels of competition.

Talk a little about your defensive game. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I would say I am pretty versatile because I have the strength to guard many bigs but can keep guards in front effectively as well. There is room for improvement laterally when guarding very quick guards but I have come a long way defensively. I think if you went back and told any of my high school teammates that I became a solid defender at the professional level and they would probably laugh at you. That being said, it has become something I have actively tried to improve since my jump to division 1 in college and I am really proud of how far I’ve come in that aspect and continue to work towards becoming a reliable defender that a coach can trust to guard anyone on the floor.

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

Efficiency on offense is one of the most important, coming from a role in Austria where I was required to take a lot more shots for us to be successful. I had the luxury of using extra looks to get hot in a game. Now with our current team that role has shifted, I still have a solid offensive role but have to be more selective throughout the course of the game just because we have so many offensive weapons.

You played the last 2 seasons with IMMOunited Dukes Klosterneuburg (Austria-BSL) averaging 18.3ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 75.7%
and (21.5), 7.0rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 57.5%, 3PT: 28.3%, FT: 73.8%. You won a cup last season. How did your game grow in Austria?

I think it was a great place to continue building confidence in my game. On the offensive end and the defensive end. We had a great coach who allowed us to play free and that gave me room to see what parts of my game can be the most effective at the professional level with his support and confidence behind that. Winning that cup was my first professional trophy I have been able to lift and really gave a taste of what it takes to win something at the professional level.

You played your rookie season with Nunawading Spectres (Australia-NBL One) avergaing 21.2ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 60.5%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 72.2%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home?

The biggest wake up call was probably my first day pulling up google maps and saying, ‘wow I am really on the other side of the world from everyone I know.’ It was definitely an adjustment but I loved my time in Australia, made some great relationships and could not think of a better start to my professional career.

You played 2 seasons at Northern Michigan University (NCAA2) averaging 9.8ppg, 6.3rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 76.2% and 12.3ppg, 5.1rpg, FGP: 44.1%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 77.0%. How vital were these 2 years in your basketball development playing for Bill Sall? How did your game grow there?

It was a real rough start due to injuries and getting adjusted to living on my own for the first time. It was an 8 hour drive away from home (a trip that seems short now), navigating college classes and the demands of college hoops was a lot at first. I slowly got into a groove, found out what worked for me, and by the end of my second year there I had grown a lot as a person and found better ways to balance life, school and high level hoops.

You then played 2 seasons at Monmouth College (NCAA3) averaging 27.2ppg, 12.0rpg, 1.8apg, 2.5spg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 87.9% and 25.5ppg, 11.0rpg, 1.7apg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 76.4%. These were 2 very enriching years on and off the court. Was this the best basketball decision in your life?

I would say it was a great decision. I look back on that time being closer to family even more fondly now that I am away for 9-10 months a year. I accomplished some great things and really found a new love for basketball during that time. It was also when I started seriously thinking about playing basketball professionally. I always had the dream to go pro but after those two seasons it actually looked like a possibility.

How fortunate do you feel were you to be coached by Todd Skrivseth? How did he help bring your game to another level at Monmouth?

He was a coach that saw my talents and the talents of those on our team and found a system that would work for us specifically instead of trying to force us into a mold. It was such a fun way to play and I respect him a lot for it. He has been a very successful coach at Monmouth and it is not by accident.

You then finished at Western Illinois University (NCAA) averaging 14.7ppg, 5.1rpg, FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 76.1% and 14.3ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 75.2%. You needed absolute no adjustment time. What kind of a player did you become at Western Illinois?

I found out early I would have to be a big piece of the team for us to be successful. We were a complete COVID year rebuild and only had a few guys with any D1 experience. About a month into practice one of our coaches told me, ‘you need to have the same offensive mindset you had at Monmouth for us to win any games this year.’ From then on it was like all second guessing in my mind was gone and I just hooped. I had to adjust my game a bit and get used to the size and speed of the level but I used that same confidence in my ability that I built at Monmouth to find ways to be effective.

How did head coach Rob Jeter give you that last vital added push and help groom and prepare you best for a pro career?

Coach Jeter was a guy who played professionally himself and he also had a D3 background so I think we could relate to each other’s situations a little. He has also coached plenty of players that have gone on to play pro so just being around someone with that experience in coaching players went a long way. He also helped me a ton with my mindset defensively and growing that part of my game.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Luka Barisic?

If it was in the post Luka had this left handed hook from the baseline that was practically unstoppable from 15 feet in but if we were out on the perimeter in space I’d say I would have the advantage there. I would love to play against him again some day just to see how far we’ve both come!

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

Keegan Murray was probably the toughest matchup. I have guarded a ton of players in all positions and it is rare where I feel out matched defensively but the way he was scoring what I felt were tough forced shots over my contesting hand consistently was really impressive. It is really cool to see how well he has played in the NBA first off being an Iowa guy and second off because it makes me feel a bit better seeing him do the same thing he did to me to other NBA level guys.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Top 5 is so tough, I’ve had so many teammates that are really important to not only my career but to me personally as great friends. I will have to go strictly off the dream team on the court. At the point I have to put my current teammate Ricky McGill, he’s too tough. At 2 Michael Weathers, one of the craziest athletes I’ve seen. At the 3 Trent Massner I wish I had his stepback. At 4 Isaiah Roby probably has the best resume out of anyone I’ve played with. Finally he’s not even a 5 man but he’ll kill me if he’s not on my list and I’ll never hear the end of it, Vali Bauer just because he’s him.

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

1. Steph Curry 2. Nick Young 3. Vince Carter 4. Michael Jordan 5. Dwight Howard

Who is your GOAT?

As a Bulls fan it has to be Michael Jordan

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

Yes I saw it, I love the og movie and the new one is far from perfect but getting more Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall in those roles was still so much fun to see.

Thanks Will for the chat.

Ex Jimmy Mckinney Student Phillip Russell(Bozic Estriche Knights Kirchheim) Loves Sharing The Ball And Seeing Everybody Eat

The first thing that really stood out when I examined the career of overseas rookie Phillip Russell (178-PG-1999, college: VCU) was that he had balled at not 1 not 2 and not even 3 NCAA schools, but at 4. That is something that is extremely rare. But then after closer inspection, something else became rather interesting to me right away and that was that he had balled at Vashon High School in St louis. Since I have covered thousands and thousands of players in my life, remembering high schools isn´t actually simple, but with Vashon it was. Simply because I covered former Skyliner Jimmy Mckinney very closely for years when he balled in Germany and I just remember him being a stand out player there. The school´s most famous sports alumni has to be the boxing brother champs Michael and Leon Spinks and ex NBA player Elston Turner. Mckinney was never as famous as them, but he had a great career there and overseas as he began his overseas career almost 19.5 years ago. Russell not only won a high school title at Vashon like Mckinney did, but also played for him and will never forget him. “I have a close relationship with Jimmy McKinney. He was my high school coach he’s a wonderful role model for me. I was not aware that he began his career in Germany that’s sweet”, stressed Phillip Russell. Ex Jimmy Mckiney student Phillip Russell is playing his rookie season overseas in Germany with the Bozic Estriche Knights Kirchheim and loves sharing the ball and seeing everybody eat.

The guard who lists Muhammad Ali as his GOAT and current Phoenix Sun Jalen Green as his toughest cover in the NCAA was born on Feb 2, 1999 in St Louis, Missouri. As a senior at Vashon he averaged 15.7ppg, 4.5apg, 2.8rpg and won a HS MSHSAA Missouri Class 3 title in 2019. He began his NCAA career at Saint Louis University (NCAA) averaging 2.1ppg, 1.1apg during Covid. He only played 8 games. Even if he hardly played, the experience was a part of his journey that prepared him for his next steps. “The experience was wonderful I learned a lot just sitting down & watching. And it also brought a hunger to me that will never go away”, warned Phillip Russell. His journey then continued at Southeast Missouri State University (NCAA) where he played 2 seasons averaging 13.4ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.2apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 73.3% and 18.2ppg, 2.9rpg, 5.1apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 43.6%, 3PT: 36.3%, FT: 79.9%. He made a big jump in his game. He was so fortunate being able to play for Brad Corn. “He was the main key just trusting me allowing me to make mistakes my first year not giving up on me. And just trusting me in running the show. He saw the work that was put it in during offseason and we just had that sit down before the year & came to an agreement”, remembered Phillip Russell. He turned into a lethal NCAA scorer scoring in double figures in 53 of 63 games and had 37 point explosions against UALR, 35 points against SIUE and 30 points against Tennessee State. He also went to the bIg Dance for the first time beating Tennessee Tech to win the OVC title. He continued to be hungry for new challenges and then played a season at the University of Texas at Arlington (NCAA) averaging 14.9ppg, 1.9rpg, 4.4apg, FGP: 45.6%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 84.6%. This was another huge step in his basketball development. “It built my character & helped me look in the mirror”, remembered Phillip Russell. There he scored in double figures in 16 of 22 games and had 30 points against SF Austin and 28 points against the Air Force. He wasn´t done yet as he moved on one more time and played a season at Virginia Commonwealth University (NCAA) for Ryan Odom averaging 10.3ppg, 1.6rpg, 2.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 81.3%. He won the Atlantic 10 title beating GMC and then played at March Madness losing to BYU. “It was a great season. I had so much fun and it showed me what winning can do for you. Coach Odom told me he can trust me & bet on myself”, said Phillip Russell who remembers beating Joe Bamisile in daily 1-1 battles. He scored 26 points against St Bonaventure and 25 points against Loyola, Il.

The 178cm point guard who lists Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Kyrie Irving on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is playing his rookie season with the Bozic Estriche Knights Kirchheim. Even if he is a rookie, he has brought so much experience having played at 4 different schools in the NCAA. “I do not feel like a rookie. I’ve been playing this game my entire life I know that I’m ready to make an impact right away & lead to the best of my ability”, stated Phillip Russell last summer. He found eye to eye last summer with players coach Igor Perovic when he first had contact. “The talks went wonderful with coach Igor Perovic. He told me what it was straight forward and what he needed from me in the offseason I appreciate most of him taking a chance on me as I start my rookie career”, said Phillip Russell. Currently Kirchheim is battling for a playoff spot as it is resting in 7th place with a record of 9-7. Despite being a rookie, he has displayed his leadership skills early on. He also has needed no adjustment period as he is averaging 17,1ppg, 2,6rpg, 3,6apf and 1,1spg while shooting a very respectable 40% from the parking lot. He is a player that loves to create and compares his game to defensive minded NBA player Jose Alvarado and can just do so much at both ends. “Versatility is huge in my game. I’m big on winning & I feel sharing the ball seeing everybody eat brings a team closer”, expressed Phillip Russell. This season he has scored in double figures in 14 of 16 games and struck 20 points or more 5 times including 29 points in a win against Artland and 23 points a piece against Cologne and Turbingen. Another big part of his game is his three point shooting. He averaged 36% in his last 3 NCAA seasons and wants to continue to develop overseas. “I will continue to put my trust in God & also getting up a lot of reps on my downtime”, said Phillip Russell. He also sees a lot of potential in his defense and knows exactly what needs to be worked on most in the lab. “I feel I’m a good defender I take pride in my defense. I can always improve & I will. I have to become dead eye from 3 & take care of the ball better”, warned Phillip Russell. It will be interesting to see how Kirchheim´s quest for the playoffs and how Russell´s game will continue to develop. One thing is for sure Jimmy Mckinney will continue to be proud of him.

Rookie Desmond Watson Sparks Late Run scoring 12 Of 15 Points To Power The Skyliners Juniors Past TV Langen 90-81

It wasn´t a great 2025-2026 season for the Skyliners Juniors as they finished the year in last place with a record of 3-10. They came into the new year with a lousy 5 game losing streak. They reacted by bringing in American rookie Desmond Watson (196-G-2003, college: Loyola, IL), a big guard that did his share of winning in the NCAA with Loyola Chicago and ex Pro A player Moses Poelking. The Skyliners Juniors had scoring punch, but it didn´t hurt to get some extra stability on the court. They faced the rising TV Langen that came to Frankfurt having won 4 of their last 5 games. TV Langen had defeated Frankfurt in Langen in the first game 70-61. The Skyliners Juniors obviously were hungry for revenge to start the new year off on the right foot. It was the home coming of ex Skyliners youth player Alexander Lagerman who played there a few years ago before departing for Schwenningen and Rhondorf as well as Drago Crnjac who wanted to keep his winning streak alive against brother Ivan who was 2-0 against him going in. The first game of 2026 for both teams was a close battle for the most part, but in crunch-time a deadly 21-0 run led by rookie and new Skyliner Desmond Watson sealed the 90-81 victory for the Skyliners Juniors. “We played really well as a team. We fought the whole game and never gave up. Every possession mattered for us. I have only been here 2 weeks, but the team is young, but has a real good chemistry”, stressed Ohio native Desmond Watson. TV Langen played a great game and controlled the game for long spans, but couldn´t finish the job falling apart in the last minutes. “We played so well for 35 minutes, but then to give it away really hurts. We defended so well for the longest time and then to fall apart at the end with giving up open three´s and dunks was unacceptable”, stressed TV Langen guard Drago Crnjac.

Lukas Smazak from outside

Basketball City Mainhatten was packed as many TV Langen fans made the 23 kilometer ride to Frankfurt to support their team. The Skyliners Juniors had a lightening start, but TV Langen finally found their rhythm and led by 4 points after 10 minutes as 46 points were scored. Frankfurt began furiously leading 9-2 as new Skyliner Desmond Watson wás instantly aggressive nailing a trey while German Jamie Edoka added 6 points including a trey. Frankfurt was playing at a high intensity while being very physical something that TV Langen couldn´t match and most importantly were able to play their game which is fast. However TV Langen finally found their rhythm and before Frankfurt knew what had hit them, TV Langen had gone on a 19-5 run to lead 21-14. TV Langen let it rain three´s as their team basketball was refreshing. They spread the love around getting three´s from rookie California native Jacob Washington with two while Drago Crnjac hit one as did ex Skyliner Niklas Pons. The heart and soul of TV Langen Henk Droste also scored twice on transition. TV Langen heightened their intensity and were able to execute in the set play as well as get out on transition while on defense flying around the court and forcing steals and getting in passing lanes well. Young Czech Republic guard Lukas Smazak added a trey as did Niklas Pons as TV Langen led 25-21 after one quarter. “I was surprised it was so high scoring. Both teams were playing unorthodox which led to more scoring than usual”, stressed Drago Crnjac. TV Langen shot 47% from the field and 56% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 2 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 47% from the field and 40% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 5 turnovers.

Leon Fertig at the FT line

The second quarter remained tight as the Skyliners Juniors attempted to get away at the start, but TV Langen were able to punch back and the game was dead locked at 41-41 at the break. TV Langen began with a swift 4-0 run to lead 29-21 as German 3×3 world champion Leon Fertig made an off balance shot and Drago Crnjac made a lay in. Frankfurt was forcing too much and just weren´t calm. Frankfurt wasn´t rattled by this lightening start as they calmed down and shot back with a 10-0 run to dead lock the game at 31-31. Ex Kronberg center Florian Dietrich was on fire scoring 3 times as he wanted to show that bringing in ex Pro A center Moses Poelking wasn´t about to hinder his game. He was aggressive and used his big body well getting easy buckets. Edoka also made a pretty floater, but the play of the game was the incredible flashy alley-oop dunk from Ivan the universal dimension Crnjac. He got a pretty pass from American Desmond Watson who made the perfect feed for the thunderous dunk. “I saw Watson pass the ball over my head and I turned my head and saw my brother in the air. I just thought look out. It was a great dunk maybe the best in his career”, stated Drago Crnjac. “I saw him running to the basket. He put his hand up. I was able to make the pass for him. We never practiced this”, stated Desmond Watson. Alex Lagerman then made a lay in while Ivan Crnjac remained hot netting a trey for the 34-33 Frankfurt lead. Lagerman continued to be in attack mode and would score 2 more lay in´s including a very acrobatic one for the 39-36 advantage. Frankfurt got a basket from Poelking to trail 39-38. Frankfurt continued to battle back and tied the game with a thunderous Dusan Nikolic dunk on transition as half-time arrived. “Both teams executed well on offense and got out on transition”, commented Drago Crnjac. TV Langen shot 46% from the field and 38% from the three point line and had 17 rebounds and 7 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 45% from the field and 26% from the three point line and had 22 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

Dusan Nikolic with the dunk

In the third quarter TV Langen got the lead and led by as much as 6 points, but could never shake the Skyliners Juniors as they actually regained the lead by 1 point after 30 minutes. TV Langen got a big trey by Leo Fertig and continued to attack the rim well getting lay in´s from Pons and Lagerman while Frankfurt rallied getting baskets from Dietrich and Watson, but trailed 50-45. Henk Droste continued to be his versatile self, but had that one extra special dimension and that was taking charges. He took 2 in this span which resulted in 2 Frankfurt turnovers. Whenever TV Langen tried to get away, Ivan Crnjac came to the rescue with a trey as Frankfurt trailed 50-48. But TV Langen always had an answer as Fertig and Washington had lay in´s while Droste had his 3rd charge of the game and TV Langen led 54-48. But Ivan Crnjac continued to make clutch baskets as he dropped another trey to trail 54-50. TV Langen continued to get easy baskets as Lagerman and Pons scored on the drive for the 58-53 advantage, but Frankfurt also always produced an answer as Ivan Crnjac made an offensive rebound and put back and Leif Zentgraf nailed a key trey to tie the game at 58-58. It continued to go back and forth as Drago Crnjac and Smazak traded three´s to tie the game at 61-61. Edoka countered with a trey and Fertig with his typical off balance shot as TV Langen trailed 64-63 after three quarters. “Both teams continued to execute well. It was tough getting stops”, said Desmond Watson. “Our weaknesses began to come. Our intensity went down, we had too many turnovers and didn´t rebound well”, said Drago Crnjac. The Skyliners Juniors shot 44” from the field and 30% from the parking lot and had 36 rebounds and 16 turnovers and TV Langen shot 47% from the field and 37% from the parking lot and had 25 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Jacob Washington from the parking lot

In the fourth quarter TV Langen came out hot and it seemed like they would ride home with the win, but as always basketball will always remain a game of runs as the Skyliners Juniors punched last with a massive run to win their first game in 2026. TV Langen slapped Frankfurt around in the first minutes with an annoying 13-3 run to lead 75-67. TV Langen continued to attack the weak Skyliners Juniors 1-1 defense as Drago Crnjac scored twice on the drive as did Pons and Washington. Frankfurt was erratic in this run not being able to run and didn´t move the ball well. But out of seemingly nothing, the Skyliners Juniors then totally turned the game around with a massive 21-0 run to steal the lead back at 88-75. Instrumental in the run was Desmond Watson who exploded scoring 12 of the first 15 points of the run playing more like a veteran than a rookie and showing he can score in massive bunches. He nailed 2 three´s, a mid distance jumper and hard dunk finishing with 29 points in his debut. “It was my first game in 6-7 months. I felt good, but a little tired at times. I was just happy I could play”, smiled Desmond Watson. Ivan Crnjac added extra insurance in the run with 5 points. Henk Droste stopped the run with a trey, but it was too little too late. After Alvin Onyia free throws, Drago Crnjac ended the game with a three pointer. “We played as a team in the run and stuck together. We heightened our intensity on defense and that sparked our offense”, expressed Desmond Watson. “We played bad defense and had horrible decisions at both ends of the court. We also had bad communication and they punished every mistake we did”, stated Drago Crnjac. The Skyliners Juniors were led by Desmond Watson with 29 points. Ivan Crnjac added 19 points and Jamie Edoka had 11 points while TV Langen was led by Drago Crnjac and Alexander Lagerman with 15 points a piece while Niklas Pons had 14 points. The Skyliners Juniors shot 44% from the field and 31% from outside and had 48 rebounds and 19 turnovers while TV Langen shot 48% from the field and 38% from outside and had 32 rebounds and 14 turnovers.

Isaiah Swope´s(Skyliners) Recipe To Making Consistent Clutch Shots Is Playing Off Momentum, Instincts And What He Practices

,Foto: Dmitrij Zibart | ZIBART.DE

When one looks back on the last 8 easyCredit seasons of the Skyliners, success hasn´t been etched in their name. The last time they reached the playoffs without help of the 19-20 Covid season was 2018 where a certain formula of success in the name of Gordon Herbert was coaching the team. In the last 8 years the club has brought in many talented players young and old including some very special players that could produce those unique highlight films in terms of scoring. If I had to chose 3 guys that were the most dominant 1-1 guys the 2004 BBL champion had in the last 8 years then it would have to be Matt Mobley, Malik Parsons and current explosive rookie Isaiah Swope (178-PG-2003, college: St.Louis). Both Parsons and Swope scored in double figures in 12 of their first 14 games including cup games for Frankfurt. The only real distinct difference is that Frankfurt is winning more with Swope then they were with Parsons and Swope is also only a rookie. The current Skyliners has been refreshing as winning is happening again. Both Parsons and Swope have that exceptional quality of creating their own shots and making difficult shots. Swope has done it over and over this season hitting massive shots. He pulled his biggest trick so far this season scoring 11 points in a row in Jordan esc manner and propelling the team to the victory over Jena and 2 days ago in Heidelberg nailing a crunch-time trey with under 2,00 minutes securing the win and registering a season high 29 points. His recipe of success is simple and it simply works and he sticks to it. “I just try to do what I practice. That is where I´m most comfortable. I play off momentum, instincts and what I practice”, stressed Isaiah Swope.

After having lost 3 of their last 4 games, the Skyliners wanted to leave 2025 with a win in Heidelberg. Heidelberg were also reeling to win again after a disastrous 100-67 game against Bonn in their own living room. As the doormat of the BBL, Heidelberg had to react and did with a strong performance against Frankfurt. Frankfurt came into the game prepared and never underestimated them. “It was urgent as always to win as every game is tough. Every team in the BBL is good. It doesn´t matter where a team is in the standings. You have to win every game. We also had a tough loss. It was a game with 2 teams coming off tough loses. I think the main focus of both teams was to perform better than the last game. That was why the game was so tight”, stated Isaiah Swope. It was one of those rare and unique games where it went back and forth for 38 minutes until mr Clutch Isaiah Swope did his thing. Basketball is a game of runs and for a team to go on a 8-0 or 10-2 run in a game is as usual as Wemby of the Spurs registering 2-3 blocks a game. But in Heidelberg, big rusn weren´t on the menu that night. Was a back and forth punching like in Heidelberg the first of it´s kind for him? “I have had multiple games like that in my career. Games where no team can really break away and where there are runs of 2-4 points. You need to figure out how to execute at the end and force them to as tough shots as possible”, said Isaiah Swope.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Isaiah Swope in Frankfurt 2025

The ex Saint Louis University (NCAA) guard whom would always take himself over current teammate Nahiem Alleyne in a 1-1 battle in practice made baskets early, but Heidelberg had the early 19-18 advantage after 10 minutes. Did Swope already feel like he was getting into the zone for a remarkable scoring game early? “It always depends how the game is going. I just try to go in and find a flow like I did in the last games and just build off it. I just do what I know”, said Isaiah Swope. Heidelberg had allowed an excess of 100 points in the last 2 games, but defended with more passion and authority against Frankfurt and only trailed 36-33 at the break. “We both had tough loses before and hadn´t been playing to our standard. The goal was to play as hard as possible. Sometimes a game won´t be pretty”, stated Isaiah Swope. Till Pape was back after missing the Munich game as his presence not being there was felt by the Skyliners. “When he is on the floor, his presence is really felt. He is a huge mismatch issue. He makes everything easier for us. I´m grateful that he could play against Heidelberg”, added Isaiah Swope. The third quarter remained a back and forth punch affair as no team could get away, but Heidelberg stole the lead back at 59-57. “The main focus for us as a group going into the fourth quarter was defense. We have had plenty of games where our offense eventually played well. If we play good defense then the rest will take care of it´s self. We did a good job taking away their second chance points”, commented Isaiah Swope. With less than 2 minutes to play ex MHP Riesen guard Radii Caisin made a big three as did Swope did for the 74-.70 lead and that was that as the Skyliners would never trail again. “Radii´s shot was off energy. This was the first point of the game that we were able to break away. The momentum swung in our direction and we built on it to get the win”, stressed Isaiah Swope. The Skyliners are back on the mat on January 3rd in Rostock. Rostock like Heidelberg will also be hungry for redemption as they suffered a tough 85-67 loss to FC Bayern Munich on December 31st. “We have to figure out what Rostock do well and then take it away or make it as tough as possible for them. We just have to believe in ourselves and we will be fine”, warned Isaiah Swope.

This season the ex University of Southern Indiana (NCAA2) guard is averaging 15/3/2/1 stats in 25 minutes per game. As a rookie he has held his own well and continuing to get adjusted while being able to shine playing his game. But most important of all, he is grateful for being able to play the game he loves. “I´m just really appreciative that I can play professional basketball overseas. I feel like I could be playing a lot better, but at the same time, I understand that it´s my first year and I´m still learning. My main goal is to win and if I can do that, then I´m happy”, expressed Isaiah Swope. As a rookie overseas he is averaging 11 minutes less than at St Louis, but only averaged 2 points more last season. What is interesting is that his game has gotten a big push not necessarily from on the court. “I feel like I have grown more these first few months off the court. It has been a big change going from all that I have been used to the last years. Going through that change on a daily basis has helped me the most with basketball”, stated Isaiah Swope. He had a consistent career in the NCAA and shot around 38% from outside the last 3 years. How difficult is it being consistent while taking many shots per game? “I just do what I do in practice. I´m ok with the results. I feel like my numbers will always average out to what they are supposed to be. I think that I have missed a few shots in each game so far where it had nothing to do with the defense, but it was on me. I think that I´m learning every game and the more we play together as a team and keep figuring it out, the more consistent we will get as a team”, warned Isaiah Swope. He surely could show some more aspects of his game then just clutch scoring, but for him it is all about having success as a team. “My main focus is winning. As long as we win, then I´m not concerned with personal accomplishments. That comes with winning. If we win, then I can automatically show who I am as a player”, stressed Isaiah Swope. 2026 is here and there is always that question. Did he have any new years resolution? “I do not. I live my life no matter what year it is. Every day is like a new years resolution for me”, said Isaiah Swope. It will be interesting to see how Isaiah Swope´s rookie season continues to progress and can he be that next rookie since Justin Cobbs to help the Skyliners reach the playoffs again?