nba

Lucai Anderson Hits Big 3´s Leading Germany To Overpowering 95-80 Victory Over Turkey At AST

 The question going into the Germany-Turkey game was could Germany top their fascinating win over Slovenia the night before? Germany didn´t get another thrilling game winning shot, but they played a very strong game for 33-34 minutes overpowering Turkey 95-80 and showing them that they could win the battle on the glass and just get a great effort from the first five and get continued great support from players 6-12 as there was constant superb effort from every German on the court. Lucai Anderson once again had the hot hand from outside demonstrating his knack for hitting big shots. The only thing that didn´t change from the Slovenia game was the bad start as they also began flat against Turkey, but found to their game midway in the first quarter and then controlled the game until the buzzer. “We did have a slow start, but once we got in the flow, we killed them on the offensive rebound. We moved the ball well on offense and on defense stayed together as a unit and had good help”, stressed Lucai Anderson. Turkey had a great start, but that high intensity especially on the glass disappeared half way through the first quarter as Germany took the lead and control and from there had to play pick up basketball all night long. “It was a tough game for us. We were young and they were stronger physically. We lacked experience”, stressed Omer Yusif Sik.

     Jamie Edoka at the FT line           

Turkey got off to a rapid start in front of nearly 2000 fans as the atmosphere was amazing leading 9-2 as they caught Germany on the wrong side of the bed again as had Slovenia. Perhaps Germany was a bit nervous, but in the first minutes they were unable to match Turkey´s physicality and intensity. Turkey attacked the rim and got 2 baskets from their best player Darius Karutasu while Sik also scored on the drive and Emre Yazinki who only started playing basketball a year ago nailed a jumper. Germany finally got into the game as their will to hustle came in to the game. Alba Berlin forward Fin Borczanowski made 2 big scores with an offensive rebound and put back and lay in on transition when Germany suddenly trailed only 9-7. Germany had raised their defensive intensity annoying Turkey and forcing them to a few turnovers. Turkey would hold the lead a while longer as Karutasu showed what a real work horse is when he scored over 3 Germans giving Turkey the 13-8 advantage. However Germany had a bench that gave great effort and was extremely vital in them closing out the first quarter with a 15-8 run to lead 24-20 after 10 minutes. Key in the run were a trey from Dragons Rhondorf guard Dusan Ilic and a massive dunk by Paderborn center Leonard Kroger and back to back baskets from Rasta Vechta guard Moritz Gruss. Germany not only had matched Turkey´s intensity and physicality, but had passed it. “Germany wasn´t consequent with their game in the first few minutes getting turnovers and trailing. But the bench gave great answers from Ilic and Dopfer. They made quicker decisions, increased the intensity and played as a team”, stated ex pro player Lotola Otshumbe. Germany shot 46% from the 2 point area and 33% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 3 turnovers while Turkey shot 63% from the field and 33% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 7 turnovers.

         Besir Briant at the FT line    

   In the second quarter Germany made their move and led by as many as 15 points to take firm control of the contest. Germany didn´t waste any time jumping all over Turkey going on a 12-4 run to lead 36-24. Instrumental in the run was Lucai Anderson who added 7 points and 2 three´s. Did his hot shooting ahainst Slovenia translate over to the Turkey game? “I don’t think I was more confident than other days. I work hard on my shot. I take every shot like it´s my last shot”, stressed Lucai Anderson. After Turkey managed a lightening 5-0run as Sik hit a trey and Opcun a lay in, Germany didn´t fret, but punched back fiercely going on a 10-2 run to extend their lead to 46-31. Skyliner Jamie Edoka found some space to drop a trey while Anderson remained aggressive and dropped 2 more three´s. Germany moved the ball well and there were no stars, but equal love as everyone was getting a taste of the pie and making shots. Karutasu remained aggressive and nailed another shot, but Turkey had gotten away a bit from their team basketball and still couldn´t match Germany´s intensity or physicality especially on the glass. “Germany were in a great flow and there were no let downs. The bench players came in and kept the high intensity intact and executed well. Germany had good help and communication on defense”, added Lotola Otshunbe. Germany shot 43% from the 2 point area and 54% from the three point line and had 24 rebounds and 6 turnovers while Turkey shot 55% from the field and 22% from the three point line and had 17 rebounds and 9 turnovers.

       Jamie Edoka with the mid range         

Turkey had their best quarter in the third where they scored 24 points and had 2 runs to trail only 66-61 after 30minutes. Germany actually had the better begin going on a 4-0 run to extend their lead to 56-37 as Jamie Edoka executed on a pull up jumper and Felix Kiehlneker produced a dunk. Turkey then rallied and made a lethal 11-0 run to trail only 57-48. Turkey finally hit some three´s as Karutasu and Sik scored while they also remained aggressive getting to the free throw line. Turkey upped their intensity again on defense and on the glass and didn´t help Germany either that Anton Kemmer missed 2 free throws. Germany was able to punch back getting another clutch three pointer from Anderson while Dopfer also added a trey to give Germany the comfortable 65-52 advantage. But Germany couldn´t hold that momentum as the third quarter turned into a quarter of runs as Turkey closed out the third frame with a 9-1 run to trail only by 5 points. Karutasu continued to be aggressive and get the ball and executed twice with a dunk after retrieving a loose ball and then made an off balance jumper. Sik ended the third quarter with a deep trey at the buzzer which had the entire bench rushing out to congratulate their teammates. “We weren´t as aggressive and we had problems defending the side pick and roll and we allowed them to get to the free throw line”, added Lucai Anderson. Germany shot 42% from the 2 point area and 47% from the parking lot and had 32 rebounds and 11 turnovers while Turkey shot 52% from the 2 point area and 31% from the parking lot and had 24 rebounds and 9 turnovers.

                Darius Karutasu from outside

Germany had no more let downs in the fourth quarter as they managed the lead well and exploded for 29 points. Germany once again began very well not allowing Turkey to get any early momentum as they went on a 8-2 run to lead 74-63. Anton Kemmer drilled home 2 treys while Edoka made a lay in. Germany showed that they had so many weapons that any guy could step up at any time and wreck havoc. From now on both teams would execute solidly as Turkey was unable to string along some stops to help them get over the hump. FC Bayern Munich center Killian Duck made a dunk and Anderson a lay in to keep Turkey at bay as Germany led 80-67. The Germany bench continued to execute as Dopfer made a thunderous dunk for the 82-68 lead. Turkey tried to make a late run when they produced back to back dunks from Karutasu and Besir Briant to get under 10 points trailing 84-76. However Germany had no let downs in the last few minutes, but instead closed out the game in style with a 11-4 run. Danziger made another clutch trey while Borczanowksi scored twice to close out the third win in a row by Germany at AST. “Key in the last quarter was us continuing to get offensive rebounds and just outworking them. We wanted it more”, stated Lucai Anderson. Germany was led by Lucai Anderson with 23 points and Fin Borczwanowski had 13 points while Turkey was by Darius Karutasu with 29 points. Germany shot 45% from the point area and 46% from outside and had 44 rebounds and 14 turnovers while Turkey shot 55% from the 2 point area and 22% from outside and had 26 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

Mr Clutch Jamie Edoka Nails Game Winner and Puts Family And Friends In Ecstasy Shocking Slovenia 91-89 At The Albert Schweitzer Tournament.

There couldn´t have been bigger extremes between the first two Germany opponents at the Albert Schweitzer tournament as they destroyed Bahrain by 57 points and 24 hours later had a tough opponent with Slovenia. Slovenia led from the get go and controlled the game, but Germany never let up as they fought all game long always having to exert extra effort in their comeback attempts. In the last few minutes Germany came together and buckled up on defense and got a late trey from Ludwigsburg guard Lars Danziger and a game winner from Skyliner Jamie Edoka (195-G-2008) to bring Germany to 2-0 before their clash with Turkey the next day. Before the game began one could see a massive fan community for Edoka as family and friends were there as well as coaches from the Skyliners Pro B and NBBL team. In the end Edoka and his followers were all rewarded with an incredible finish that many won´t forget so who witnessed it. “We had a tough start and weren´t awake. We never gave up fighting and had to withstand runs. We played with heart and were proud to represent our country. We gave all we had and were able to turn the game around at the end. We wanted it more”, stressed Jamie Edoka. The loss couldn´t have been more painful for Slovenia who controlled the game for the most part and then lost at the end on a last shot. “We were much better than yesterday. Our approach was much better. We were a lot more aggressive and were able to stop their transition. That made a difference. 5-5 was tough since they had more length. Despite the loss, I was satisfied with their reaction to the Japan game”, stressed Slovenia head coach Dejan Cikic.

Jamie Edoka at the FT line

Slovenia didn´t waste anytime totally jumping all over Germany as they rolled out to a quick 8-2 lead. Slovenia was led by versatile Lukas Nikola Bojovic who made 3 steals and 2 baskets while quick guard Igor Stjepanovic and Maks Ceperle also added lay in´s as the feared transition game of Germany was actually played by Slovenia. Slovenia´s aggressive on ball defense was brutal as Germany was unable to come to terms with it. Then occurred an untypical 20 minute delay because there was a problem at the scouting table. When play resumed, the break didn´t benefit Germany, but moreover Slovenia as they continued their aggressive play going on a 9-2 run to up their lead to 17-4. Germany was taking better care of the ball, but Slovenia stayed aggressive and attacked the paint and got to the free throw line. Germany then finally got out of their shell and responded with their first run of the game 10-2 and suddenly Slovenia only led 18-14. Key in the run was energy from Leonard Kroger and William Dopfer who came from the bench and added instant buckets. Germany finally matched the intensity of Slovenia and got more aggressive getting to the rim as FC Bayern Munich forward Casper Vossenberg added 4 points. Slovenia stayed ahead simply because Germany made some dumb mistakes like allowing Ciperle to make 3 free throws and Nejc Roznik made a lay in, but Germany punched back with a Youdom lay in and Lucai Anderson basket to trail 24-22. “Germany had a bad start. They had poor 1-1 defense and allowed Slovenia to the free throw line. Their ball movement was static, but the game changed for them from Kroger and Dopfer came in”, stressed Orange Academy head coach Florian Flabb. Slovenia shot 58% from the 2 point area and 14% from outside and had 8 rebounds and 1 turnover and Germany shot 50% from the 2 point area and 0% form outside and had 11 rebounds and 7 turnovers. Germany was lucky to be down 2 points with so many turnovers.

Maks Ciperle at the FT line

Slovenia remained in control in the second quarter, but they couldn´t shake Germany as they let them hang around. Slovenia began with a 4-0 run as Jazon Krosejl and Anid Pasic scored, but Germany punched back with a Youdom lay in and Vossenberg put back, but Germany still trailed 30-28. Slovenia continued to execute very well playing inside out basketball getting a trey from Pasic and lay in´s from Cizej and Ciperle for the 39-30 advantage. Germany kept punching back getting a massive dunk from Kroger and basket from Dopfer back door as Kroger supplied the dime. The way they were playing together in only their second game, it seemed like they could have been teammates for years, but Slovenia still led 41-34. Slovenia was getting too many transition baskets and on the set play way to easy baskets. However Germany had a little extra energy right before the break going on a 10-4 run to trail only 49-44. Jamie Edoka finally found his offensive rhythm adding 5 points. “He had a tough start, but in the last minutes showed his total talent”, stated Florian Flabb. Kroger made free throws and Youdom added a trey to get Germany back on track again. “Slovenia got too many transition baskets. Germany played smarter at the end having less contested shots”, added Florian Flabb. Slovenia shot 71% from the 2 point area and 17% from the three point line and had 15 rebounds and 4 turnovers while Germany shot 45% from the 2 point area and 22% from the three point line and had 21 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Lars Danziger for three

Slovenia had their strongest quarter in the third scoring 28 points and leading by 15 points after 30 minutes. Slovenia jumped all over Germany in the first minutes going on a rapid 13-3 run to extend their lead to 62-48. Their three pointer finally got going as they let it rain three´s getting 2 from Ciperle and one from Kozel. Germany´s energy went down again as they were slow on the close outs and on help defense. However Germany didn´t lose total control getting some key baskets from Vossenberg with a runner and Alba Berlin forward Anton Kemmer hit a trey as Germany trailed 64-53. Germany went on a 7-0 run late to trail 69-62 as Kroger gave that needed energy from the bench again with 2 buckets inside while Vossenberg dropped a trey. However costly mistakes in the last minutes allowed Slovenia a lethal 8-0 run to lead 77-62 with 10 minutes to play. Gal Cop hit 3 free throws while Rok Kozel made a trey and Cizel a lay in. “That 8-0 against us was really costly. We made little mistakes and they hit us with transitions baskets”, said Jamie Edoka. “Once again our aggression helped us a lot giving us easy transition baskets and three´s”, added Dejan Cikic.

Lukas Nikola Bojovic with the runner

Germany never trailed by more than 10 points in the fourth quarter and scored 29 points in their come back. Germany caught Slovenia off guard slapping them with a 7-0 run to trail only 77-69. Germany upped their defense again as they were led by Lars Danzinger and Youdom who were scrappy and making life difficult for the Slovenian players. Edoka began the run with 3 points and big guard Fin Borczanowski showed his scoring qualities scoring twice. Then came a great phase by Germany as Lucai Anderson dropped 2 three´s in a row to keep Germany close at 83-79. “He has the quality to make shots like that. He also showed in those moments that he can step up and take on responsibility”, commented Jamie Edoka. However Germany wasn´t able to string along consecutive stops as they got baskets from Stjepanovic and Pasic to lead 87-81. However Germany never gave up and got the next super clutch shot from Anderson as he drilled home another trey to trail 87-84. After a Germany stop, Vossenberg made one free throw to trail 87-86. Slovenia´s nerves were sharp as clutch player Bojovic hit an incredible runner for the 89-86 lead. With less than a minute, Lars Danziger made a clutch trey to dead lock the game at 89-89. Youdom made a great play from the baseline seeing he didn´t have a good shot kicking out ot Danzinger for the open trey. “Lars is so vital for our success. He can do it at both ends. He also showed that you can rely on him to make the big shot”, explained Jamie Edoka. With 23 seconds to play, Slovenia had possession and Germany stopped them. With 5 seconds to play, Germany gave Jamie Edoka the ball at the base line and he made a routine mid distance shot for the winner. “We wanted to get some one a good look. I got the ball and had the confidence that I could make it. I was a little nervous when I saw the ball bounce on the rim, but so much more happy when it went in”, smiled Jamie Edoka. “We didn´t switch, We tried to block it, but he made a fantastic shot”, said Dejan Cikic. “I was hoping it would go in. We watched from the bench as it slowly went in and then jumped with joy”, stated Dusan Ilic. Germany was led by Jamie Edoka and Lucai Anderson with 14 points a piece while Caspar Vossenberg added 13 points while Slovenia was led by Make Ciperle with 21 points. Germany shot 46% from the 2 point area and 37% from outside and had 41 rebounds and 18 turnovers while Slovenia shot 58% from the 2 point area and 27% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Benjamin Sadikovic(Dragons Rhondorf) Never Lost Hope Of Reaching The Playoffs Even After The Brutal Loss In Bernau On Valentines Day

Pic Credit: Martin Jung

Benjamin Sadikovic (208-PF-2003) is a 22 year old 208cm center that is playing his first season with Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf. He played the last 2 seasons with the TSV Oberaching Tropics and last season averaged 5.8ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 61.4%, 3PT-3 (50.0%), FT: 65.5%. He began his basketball career with TS Jahn Munich where he played NBBL. In his last season he averaged 11.7ppg, 10.0rpg, Blocks-3 (2.6bpg), FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 68.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after reaching the Pro B playoffs.

Congrats Benjamin on the incredible 81-79 win over Rostock helping the team slip into the playoffs. How does it feel making the playoffs after all?

It is an incredible feeling that is difficult to describe in words. We came well into the season, but then suffered that 6 game losing streak near the end of the season. To be able to rebound from that losing streak and finish the season winning 5 in a row is something to be very proud of. I´m very proud of the team.

On Valentines day you lost by 22 points in Bernau. The team had a 6 game losing streak at that point and the playoffs were in danger. How do you remember that bus ride home? What was on your mind?

That loss really hurt. Seeing ourselves in 13th place was really tough. We knew that we were better than that. It was never our goal to stay in the league, but to reach the playoffs. It definitely wasn´t a good trip home.

Did the team have some soul searching during the next week of practice?

We had a team meeting after. We talked about what had to be done to finish the season strong. The playoffs were our goal and we knew it was possible. However we also knew that we had to win 5 games in a row. I think having that team feeling of wanting to reach the playoffs brought us extra fire and energy.

Did you feel like the team had it in them to make a 5 game winning streak to end the regular season?

I always knew that we could reach the playoffs. I didn´t doubt it a second. I don´t know if you remember, but I told you in the post game interview after the Vechta win that we would give our all the last 2 games and we did that and won.

Was the focus actually after the loss in Bernau to be focused about staying in the league more than trying to reach the playoffs?

Our first focus after the Bernau loss was to stay in the league. But after we beat Itzehoe, our focus changed back to the playoffs. We had more self confidence after that win.

After a big win at home against Itzehoe, how vital was the win on the road at Wedel. The team had another long road trip. How key was that win for this winning streak?

That was a very hard fought win on the road. Wedel is a team that sticks to basic principles and are one of the best offensive rebounding teams in the league. Our focus was to try to make everything tough for their bigs and not let them get offensive rebounds. It didn´t work so well, but we still were able to get more defensive rebounds. Josh Petteno also had a big game. All in all it was a hard fought win for us.

In the last 3 games, the team won all tight games and allowed under 80 points 3 times. Was this the seasons best spurt?

I think so. Our top concern was defense. We were consistent these games and didn´t allow the opponents to play successful to their strengths. The last 2 gámes ended on the last shot. There is always some luck involved, but we also played very good defense-

What improvements have you seen on the defensive end in the last 3 games?

I think that our rebounding was better. We will have to pressure the Ulm guards.

How big was the win on the road against the Sixers. How much heart did the team show there winning without Juhwan Harris-Dyson and you?

The team showed tremendous heart. I was watching the game on the way to Ulm. Duje Dujmovic was injured in the first minutes, but played through it and finished with a 15/7 game. It was a great game from him. He fought hard and never gave up. Jorge Mejias also stepped up big.

How huge was Vuk Scepanovic with his 14 points?

He hit big shots. I think that he scored the first 8 points. He got hot early and that gave the team a lot of energy.

The last game against Rostock was a tight game. They went on a run to begin the fourth quarter, but the Dragons Rhondorf fought back and won on free throws by Duje Dujmovic. What was key in crunch-time for getting the win?

We won the first half, but got sloppy in the second half. I think that our fans were like a sixth man. Their energy brought them out of their concept. I think that no team would of wanted to play against us in our gym.

You had a great game against Neustadt with 28 points, but also a monster game against Vechta with 16/18. What was your best game this season?

I think that both games were similar in that they were both big wins. I think though that the Neustadt game was bigger, because at that point, it stopped a 3 game losing streak. The Neustadt win caught us, but I´m still very happy with my Vechta game.

How do you feel have you contributed best in the 4 wins the last weeks?

I tried to hustle a lot the last games. I played good defense limiting mistakes. I think that I was good on the pick and roll and rebounded well.

Sharp shooter German Chris Frazier had a good look at the end. What was your feeling about his shot going in?

Chris is a player that you never want to leave open. When he was bringing the ball up, I figured that he would take the last shot. I have to be honest that I became a little nervous after the release, but when he missed I was relieved and very happy.

How big has Duje Dujmovic been in the last games. Are we now seeing how much his hard work has paid off?

We are seeing how much his hard work is paying off now in games. We have seen what he is truly capable of doing on the court. He was in a hole at the start of the season, but as of late has brought a lot of stability. He showed in Sandersdorf how versatile he can be playing the 5. He played his role whenever he was asked.

How focused will you be for Orange Academy? Will we see the best Benjamin Sadikovic this season

Of course you will. We have worked very hard all season long to get here. Now we all will let it out. I´m happy to be playing against the south again.

The next opponent is Orange Academy the best team in the Pro B south. The team is stacked with big young talent. How excited are you for this challenge?

I´m really looking forward to the games against Orange Academy. I´m also excited to see how I match up against the young players and see known faces again.

One of Europe´s big talents plays there with Teo Millic. He could be the next NBA player. Will you have a special game plan?

He is a big talent and we will have to find a way to slow him down. I will be concentrating more on my match up against Endurance Aiyamenkhue.

What will be key to winning the series against Orange Academy?

I think he will be our experience and physicality. We are also a young team, but have more experience.

Who will win the 2026 NCAA March Madness?

I had Duke as winning it in my bracket. But now I will go with Arizona. They have the team builkt to win it all.

Thanks Benjamin for the chat.

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

Pic credit: Martin Jung

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

pic credit: Martin Jung

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

pic credit: Martin Jung

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

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

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

Pic Credit: Martin Jung

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

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

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

Florian Dietrich at the FT line

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

Brian Dawson for 3

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

Desmond Watson with the floater

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

Zion Richardson at the FT line

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Honestly don’t have one.

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

No special text messages.

Did you have to get your teammates donuts after game?

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

Thanks Jackson for the chat

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

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

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


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


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


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

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

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

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

Benjamin Sadikovic at the FT line

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

Roy Krupnikas from outside

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

Epke Kruthaup at the FT line

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

Kenan Reinhart with the runner

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

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

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

Leif Zentgraf at the FT line

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

David Aichele at the FT line

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

Desmond Watson with the runner

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

Felix Angerbauer at the FT line

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

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

Pic credit: Sabine Jost

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

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

Pic credit: Sabine Jost

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

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