Chase Forte (193-G-2001, college: Boston Coll.) is a 25 year old 193cm guard from North Carolina playing his rookie season overseas with German Pro A team EPG Baskets Koblenz. He began his basketball career at the Word Of God Christian Academy. He then was one year at the University of North Carolina – Asheville (NCAA) and then played 2 seasons at Gulf Coast State College (JUCO) averaging 13.0ppg, 4.4rpg, 5.9apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 54.1% and 20.1ppg, 3.9rpg, 5.8apg, 2.8spg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 61.4%. He then played a season at Northwestern State University (NCAA) averaging 9.8ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.8apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 23.3%, FT: 53.7%. He then played a season at the University of South Dakota (NCAA) averaging 17.9ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.1apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 65.2%. He then added one more year at Boston College (NCAA) averaging 6.0ppg, 2.4rpg, 2.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 33.3%, 3PT: 25.3%, FT: 59.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the brutal 69-66 loss in Wolmirstedt
The EPG Baskets Sustained a very tough 69-66 loss to the SBB Baskets. How tough is this loss after playing 3 incredible quarters? Is it still hard to digest 2 days later or has it worn off a bit? A bit of both. It is hard to digest, but at the end of the day the season continues and we have the next tough opponent with Giessen coming up. After today we have to crumple up the loss and focus on Giessen.
The EPG Baskets Koblenz were punched right away trailing 10-0. How can you explain a miserable start like that? It has happened all season on the road.
That is correct. We were down 14 points in Paderborn and came back to win and down 16 points in Wolmirstedt and lost. I really don´t have an explanation as to why this keeps happening. I will continue to watch and film and see how we can correct it and be better against Giessen.
They were scoring at ease in the paint. What were the main problems on the defensive end in that early phase? We had problems with their drive and then switched up some things on defense which helped us get back into the game.
You guys were in a hole right away. How tough was handling their pressure? It is amazing how the team with so many young American rookies have been able to perform well despite adversary. I personally haven´t bene handling the pressure well at all. I know that I can be a lot better. What I really like about this team is that we have no quit in us. No matter how much we are down, we are always trying to find a way to win. That is what I really respect about this team.
The SBB Baskets had the overwhelming 30-16 advantage after 10 minutes. What was going through your mind as one of the leaders? I told the guys that they went on their run and now it´s our turn for our run. That is exactly what happened.
The EPG Baskets were in a hole in the second quarter, but the offense reached a flow. What adjustments did you make getting being able to execute better? Nothing really except just starting to hit shots better which gave us a flow.
You were down 42-29 and then you finally made a big run of 10-0. How vital was showing them then that you guys still had game? That run meant a lot at that time. I mean Wolmirstedt is really experienced. Maybe one of the most experienced in the Pro A. They beat Heidelberg on the road by 10 points. That means a lot. This game was definitely a learning experience for us.
Jannis Sonnefeld hit back to back three´s. Does one appreciate and love this kid more after every game? We do absolutely. He is our X factor and a real game changer. We appreciate him so much.
How tough was containing Martin Bogdanov who had 4 points and 7 assists at the break? He was my match up. I knew that he averaged like 7 assists, is a good playmaker, but doesn´t score so much. He had a great game.
In the third quarter the EPG Baskets took the lead at the end for the first time 54-52 and allowed only 10 points. How proud were you of the team defensive effort? I was very proud of the guys. We showed resilience and didn´t quit. No matter how much we are down, we never quit. We always get up and fight. Doing that was like a moral victory for us.
10 minutes to play. What did coach Dohrn tell you guys to do for the last 10 minutes? We were switching more often especially on their guards.
How do you describe the last three from Brock Gardner. Were you expecting a three? Dragos Diculescu was on him. Can one expect getting beat on a contested shot? That play was more on me. We trapped and switched, but maybe if I had switched, the last shot may have been more contested.
What insights did you get from this game about the development of the defense?. We got even more resilient on defense. We put in a new press which we had only practiced once before the game. I felt we executed that pretty well already. I think once we get more comfortable with it, we will be very dangerous
You had 9 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals,1 block and shot. The three still isn´t falling. What was your personal summary of how you played? I wasn´t good enough. My shot wasn´t falling. I usually make those shots. I know that I have more to offer. 9/8 isn´t bad, that is almost a double double, but my playmaking has to be better. I will go back in the gym and continue to work hard on my game.
Will the team be even better in 10 days when you battle Giessen at home? We will absolutely be better. We have seen Giessen play before in pre season. I will keep defending the other team´s best player in Zac Cooks. I am confident that we will eb overly prepared and get the job done.
The last game day was a real catastrophe for the Dragons Rhondorf and the Fellbach Flashers. The Dragons Rhondorf controlled the game in the second and third quarters against Frankfurt and led by 13 points going into the fourth quarter, but then totally fell apart and lost by 3 points on the road. The Fellbach Flashers on the other hand lost their first game of the season on the road to Pro B newcomer Reutlingen 92-70 where they had a poor shooting day and coughed up the ball a horrible 24 times. Both teams were reeling for a win and the best news for the Dragons Rhondorf was that they were in their own cozy living room ready to begin a new winning streak. On a rainy early autumn day, The Dragons Rhondorf did an amazing job rebounding after a horrible loss in Frankfurt and came together as a team without Justin Onyejiaka playing one of their best defensive performances in more than a decade beating the Fellbach Flashers 72-57. It was a game where the Dragons Rhondorf didn´t hit shots well, so they responded with an incredible defensive performance where everyone was flying around and they formed a lethal wall in the paint perplexing the Fellbach Flashers time in and time out. “We began well and got out on transition. They then slowed us down when they went to zone. We didn´t hit shots well, but we defended very well. We pushed the pace in the second half and they couldn´t keep up with us. We stuck to the defensive game plan and formed a wall in the paint containing Zeisberger. We also knew that they would get tired. We were flying around at both ends of the court”, smiled Dragons Rhondorf guard Mychael Paulo (193-G-1998, college: McMaster, agency: 011 Sports). The Fellbach Flashers never found a healthy offensive rhythm despite defending well. A big flaw on this night were their 25 turnovers. “We had way too many turnovers and didn´t shoot the ball well. You will never win home or away scoring only 57 points. We need to stay positive and stick together and keep working”, stressed Fellbach Flasher head coach Kris Borisov.
Carlo Schmid at the FT line
The Fellbach Flashers got the quick 4-0 start as it´s 2 top scorers Jonathan Zeisberger and D´Monte Brown scored in the paint. Rhondorf´s defense wasn´t warmed up yet. However Rhondorf reacted quickly as well as young German Carlo Schmidt scored back to back baskets with a dunk and lay in to tie the game at 4-4. However Fellbach could get the lead and keep it as D´Monte Brown was in instant attack mode and showed his inside out game making a trey and a lay in for the 12-8 advantage while the Dragons stayed on par getting an offensive rebound and put back from Ohio native Sahmi Willoughby and runner by German sniper Kenan Reinhart. The game would be a tight affair the rest of the first quarter as Mychael Paulo made a lay in and giant Daniel Mayr a trey to dead lock the game at 16-16. But Brown was a true one man wrecking crew as the Dragons couldn´t contain him as his scoring romp continued with another trey and lay in and the guests had the 20-19 advantage after 10 minutes. Brown had produced 14 points and was on his way of having another incredible scoring game. He had averaged 24,0ppg as a rookie with Aschersleben and 24,0ppg last season with Culture City and once exploded for 40 points against Regionalliga team Braunschweig. Would he be capable of another scoring explosion on this night? “Rhondorf came out with a lot of energy. They showed that their offense always looks best when everyone touches the ball. They were creating good shots”, expressed ex Dragons Rhondorf assistant coach KJ Sherril. The Fellbach Flashers shot 38% from the field and 33% from outside and had 13 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 35% from the field and 13% from outside and had 11 rebounds and 4 turnovers.
Jonathan Zeisberger from outside
In the second quarter both teams almost carved half of the points away from the first quarter as only a total of 20 points were scored. Rhondorf stepped up their defensive intensity allowing only 8 points and led 31-28 at the break. A big turnaround in this quarter was the massive shutdown of D´Monte Brown who stayed scoreless and a lot of that had to do with 17 year old German Marvin Nduche who made his Pro B debut with 7 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks. He was a real pest in the side of Brown who got nothing easy and scored nothing. “Marvin did a super job wearing him down. He was physical and was always bumping him. Brown also got the ball often late on the shot clock and was forced to taking bad shots”, commented KJ Sherrill. “If I could give a game ball away then I would give it to Marvin Nduche. He was a real spark off the bench. He played great defense on Brown. He was flying around, but that was no surprise as we always see that in practice. He also producers on offense hitting shots”, said Mychael Paulo. Fellbach kept the early lead getting lay in´s from Germans Jonathan Gerlinger who played JUCO ball at Santa Ana and ex Speyer forward Dennis Diala for the 24-22 Fellbach lead. The game remained tight and Rhondorf did a good job attacking the paint area and getting to the free throw line. Their three pointer wasn´t falling so they found other ways to score. They only had some bad luck being only 12/19 at the break from the free throw line. Carlo Schmidt was aggressive getting to the free throw line hit free throws and also made a put back for the 27-26 lead. “Carlo is a player where his body hasn´t caught up with his mind yet. He can become a very good player. He began to play the game late and has made a big development. That speaks for the amount of potential that he has. I could see him reaching the BBL”, warned KJ Sherrill. However Fellbach was able to punch back with a Zeisberger floater for the 28-27 lead. But Rhondorf closed out the second quarter strong getting a pull up jumper from Paulo and free throws from young German Tom Viehofer for the 3 point Dragons lead at the break. “Rhondorf boxed out and rebounded well. Their full court press also gave them problems to get into their sets. They also communicated well and helped each other”, stated KJ Sherrill. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 29% from the field and 7% from the three point line and had 20 rebounds and 9 turnovers while the Fellbach Flashers shot 36% from the field and 10% from the three point line and had 22 rebounds and 14 turnovers.
Carlo Schmid to the rim
In the third quarter both teams were able to execute better again on offense and there were 6 lead changes. Fellbach came out of the break more focused and punched Rhondorf right away with a brutal 8-0 run to lead 36-31. Brown got back to his scoring ways scoring on transition and made free throws while German sniper Daniel Zacek hit a trey and ex New Haven (NCAA) forward Jason Edokpayi made free throws. Fellbach upped their defensive intensity once again and German Kenan Reinhart continued to be a mystery concerning his three pointer as nothing would fall and his season stat line stood at 2/24. But basketball is a game of runs and sometimes everything goes so fast as the Dragons punched back with consecutive three´s from Willoughby and Paulo to the Dragons the lead back again at 37-36. Nduche demonstrated that he could also do it at the offensive end sinking a trey which was followed by a Paulo lay in for the 42-38 lead. But the Dragons Rhondorf were unable to hold this little momentum allowing Fellbach to finish the quarter with a 9-3 run and 47-45 advantage. In the run the guests got key three´s from Germans Dennis Diala who had improved his scoring average each season in Speyer and Billinger also scored from the parking lot. Viehoefer also hit a trey for the Dragons. “There were many lead changes and no team gave up. We kept fighting and stuck together. Basketball is a game of runs. We did a good job never getting to high or low”, warned Mychael Paulo. “We wanted to make a run and play small ball. We couldn´t speed up the game. We had some good moments, but couldn´t take the momentum into the fourth quarter”, added Kris Borisov. The Fellbach Flashers shot 33% from the field and 20% from the parking lot and had 39 rebounds and 18 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 27% from the field and 18% from outside and had 30 rebounds and 11 turnovers.
Daniel Zacek from downtown
In the fourth quarter the Dragons Rhondorf punched right away and the Fellbach Flashers weren´t able to recuperate allowing them sail into the moonlight with the win. The Dragons Rhondorf shocked Fellbach with a 12-0 run upping their lead to 57-47 and they would never look back. In the run they got two three´s from Nduche and Willoughby while Daniel Mayr added 4 points and Paulo free throws. The Dragons Rhondorf was at it´s best forcing 3 turnovers in Fellbach´s first 4 possessions hampering their mentality. Rhondorf showed incredible energy and on ball pressure. They were also fortunate to hit three´s better and could have led by 20 points had they not missed 11 free throws at that stand point. Best Otakho made a free throw to stop the run. Brown and Zeisberger made baskets, but couldn´t get over the hump as Dusan Ilic made free throws. Brown didn´t give up and continued to improve his personal stats with a lay in to cut the Dragons lead to 62-54, but time was running away. But the Dragons Rhondorf then put a lid on the win with a 10-3 run. Reinhart continued to find other ways to score when his trey isn´t falling scoring twice in the paint, Schmidt scored in the paint while Ilic found Benjamin Sadikovic for an alley-oop dunk as the big man finished with an incredible 5/16 game. Daniel Zacek closed out the game with a trey at the buzzer, but too little too late. “Our 12-0 run set the tone. We wore them out. We finish strong and never took our feet of the gas pedal”, stressed Mychael Paulo. “That 12-0 run hurt us mentally. We defended so well and then lose the ball 3 times in a row. It is hard to win when that happens”, added Kris Borisov. The Dragons Rhondorf were led yb Mychael Paulo with 14 points while Carlo Schmid added 10 points while the Fellbach Flashers were led by D´Monte Brown with 23 points while Jonathan Zeisberger added 10 points. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 32y5 from the field and 18% from outside and had 47 rebounds and 14 turnovers while the fellbach Flashers shot 32% from the field and 19% from outside and had 46 rebounds and 25 turnovers.
Gabriel Jung (185-PG-2001) is a 25 year old 186cm guard that played the 2025-2026 season with the ETB Miners Essen (ProB) averaging 6.6ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.4apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 41.3%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 86.8% and helping the team win the 2026 Pro B title. He began his basketball career in the Phoenix Hagen organization playing NBBL and also with Regionalliga team Hagen-Haspe. He got his first Pro B experience with the VfL SparkassenStars Bochum (ProB) and also played with Regionalliga team Herten. He played with Regionalliga team BSV Wulfen from 2022-2025 playing a total of 82 games and averaged 12/3/3 stats in the 3 seasons. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.
You played with Phoenix Hagen Juniors (NBBL)from 2017-2020. How do you remember these years? Did you have a kind of mentor then? Yes these years were very important for my development as a player. Actually I wouldn´t say that I had a mentor there since you play with new guys every season, but some of them I faced during this season and I had a good relationship with them.
In your last 2 NBBL years in Hagen you averaged 11.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.0apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 44.8%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 51.7% and 15.3ppg, 3.3rpg, 3.1apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 85.0%. How did your game grow further in the NBBL? In the NBBL I learned how to fit in different systems and to take different roles on a team. As a younger player you just try to deliver in the minutes you get. And as you get older you learn how to take responsibility and maybe even lead a team.
You also played a season with SV Hagen-Haspe 70 (Regionalliga) averaging 4.1ppg, 1.2rpg, 1.1apg. How vital was this season playing with men? It was my first season in the senior league and I got to know the physical part of playing against men. How much quicker the game is and how much more work you have to put in to survive.
How vital was American point guard Jordan Rose? What could you soak up from his game then? Jordan was the first real vet I had that tried to teach me a couple of things. He is a really shifty guard which I like and I tried to add to my game, but generally just how he plays with patience was my biggest take away.
You then played parts of 2 seasons with Bochum and helped the team move up to the Pro A in 2021. What was so special about that team? With successfull teams the team chemistry plays a big role. In that team everyone knew his role and played it perfectly.
How valuable was being teammates with top German Pro A point guard Niklas Geske? How vital were his leadership skills? What could you take from his game?
Niklas just showed professionalism and discipline in every workout and every game. It just showed me the consistency you need to play on a high level for such a long time. Basketball wise it´s just incredible to see how he gets everyone involved but knows also when to take over and score on his own.
The next season you played with the Hertener Loewen Basketball (Regionalliga) averaging 9.1ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 43.8%, 3PT: 23.5%, FT: 82.0%. This was your break out season. How valuable was this season for your basketball development? You finished the season really strong? I wouldn´t really say that this was my breakout season. This season was important for me since I got to an age where I needed to learn to take more responsibility and I got the chance in Herten in the 1. Regionalliga, but since it was my first season I really struggled with that role, which was also helpful for me as a player.
You then played 3 seasons with BSV Wulfen (Regionalliga) averaging 11.9ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.4apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 28.0%, FT: 73.7%, 11.9ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 72.0%, and 12.3ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 44.3%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 72.9%. You demonstrated incredible consistency. What kind of a player did you become there? In Wulfen I think I took the biggest steps in my career. I learned what it meant to be the leader on the court as the point guard and how to develop my game to help my team.
How vital was a player Juhwan Harris-Dyson? How did he help your defensive game most? Juhwan came to the team when we were in a difficult situation and from there on we could turn it around. The energy he showed in every game and every practice and just the dedication to make life difficult for his opponent helped the team tremendously.
You then came to the ETB Miners Essen. Was that the best decision in your basketball life? I feel like I made a couple of good decisions in my career and how the move to Essen turned out it seems like it was one of them
What is the next step for you? Not sure right now. I’m trying to focus and lay the foundation for life after basketball at the moment.
Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in your career that reached the NBA or Euroleague? I don´t think I ever played against current NBA or Euroleague players
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Tobias Wegmann, Tarik Jakupovic, Nils Peters, Niclas Sperber, Ben Uzoma
Milo Murray (199-G-2007) is a 19 year old 198cm forward playing with the Rostock Seawolves Academy (Germany-ProB). Last season he played with Orange Academy Ulm (Germany-ProB) averaging 3.9ppg, 1.3rpg, played also at BBU 01 Ulm (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 9.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 55.6%, played also at ratiopharm Ulm U19 team (Germany-NBBL) averaging 12.5ppg, 4.4rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 25.5%, FT: 62.1%. In 2024-2025 he played 5 Pro B games with Orange Academy averaging 3.4ppg, 2.4rpg, played also at ratiopharm Ulm U19 team (NBBL) averaging 7.5ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.4apg, 2FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 27.6%, FT: 72.2%, played also at BBU 01 Ulm (Regionalliga) averaging 8.4ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 30.6%, FT: 60.0%. He also played also ANGT with ratiopharm Ulm U18 team (ANGT) winning the title averaging 4.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 2FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 50.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his time with the ratiopharm Ulm organization during the 2025-2026 season.
Thanks Milo for talking to germanhoops.com. You also have had success in the Pro B as the team keeps rolling in the playoffs. What is it like playing for the Pro B team? You only average 10,0 minutes. What kind of a role did you have in the Pro B with Orange Academy? Pro B my role looks a lot different. I have the ball less in my hands and have to find a way to impact the team without necessarily having the ball. I’ve improved my catch and shoot three point shot a lot in comparison to the last years and I do what I need to do to stay on the floor under coach Flo. 3 and D sort of guy I would say
What do you believe is the biggest strength of the Orange Academy team? How vital is the combination of experience and youth in one? We are young, but we run fast get along with each other and have a structured system that allows us to be successful night in a night out. Experience is important with veterans in our team like Marko Dordevic and Lenni Kunzewitsch. We are able to stay serious even though we are a young development team. ULM has done a great job putting this roster together.
One player I really like is Swiss army knife Joel Cwik. What do you appreciate most from his game? Joel is an important factor to the team he brings a presence on defense and has really stepped up his offensive game this year allowing him to be more versatile and keeping the defense and offense on their toes also a guy I get along with one and off the court quite a lot.
What have you enjoyed most about the Milicic brothers Teo and Zoran? How competitive are these 2 guys?
They are great guys to have on your team. Zoki and Teo are both guards that bring high IQ a great feel for the game and are responsible for a lot of the great team chemistry we have going on. Both of them are great competitors on the court and bring a fire mentality especially in big games.
Teo Milicic is an unbelievable talented player, but how mature is his mentality at this level already?
Teo is an amazing talent who can score pass but one of his most underrated aspects is his leadership despite his young age he continues to lead us on the court and feed us and put us in great positions Me as a wing player I enjoy playing with him because he reads the defenses and sets guys up while being able to create for himself too.
You also play with the Ulm Regionalliga team and play heavy minutes. Is this an opportunity for you to work on other aspects of your game?
Yes, definitely Regio is a time to work on your game while also taking it seriously. It is great because you play with a bunch of different guys ages ranging from our youngest guy Marko Volf to our oldest Lenni. it has helped me mature because at the end of the day it is a men’s league and being able to compete against all the guys is always beneficial
Last season you were teammates with Jervis Scheffs who moved on to Wurzburg. You guys have similar games. What was your fondest moment with him? Jervis is a tremendous player who I’ve learnt a great deal from. He can tell you himself the amount of times we have played against each other one on one late at night early in the mornings and the hours that we have put in together bettering our games on the court. We spent a lot of time off the court too and he’ll be one of my greatest friends for a long time. His mid range game really is something you don’t see a lot. My fondest moment with Jervis was probably the times in the summer playing national team and those long journeys on the train
You played some years for the German youth national team, but now play for the UK. Why did you make that change? Germany and the UK have very different playing styles and systems. The UK relies much more on little set plays whereas Germany plays very fast in transition shoots tons of three pointers and is a heavy guard orientated system. I enjoyed playing for both and will have all my teammates and coaches who have played with for both teams in mind for a long time
You played at the 2024 AST in Mannheim averaging 4.7ppg, 1.7rpg. What memories do you have playing for Dirk Bauermann? Was it challenging playing for such a legend? Dirk Bauermann was one of the most experienced coaches I’ve ever played under. His philosophy was very interesting to be able to learn and is playing a tournament like the AST and being part of such a talented squad will always be an honur for me. My best games were against Italy and Egypt both dropping 10 points.
You also played at the FIBA U17 World Cup in Istanbul (Turkey) -2024 averaging 2.8ppg, 1.4rpg. What memories do you have of that tournament playing on such a big stage? Istanbul was an experience of a lifetime seeing all these great players with names who are entering the NBA draft this year and playing on the team with some high level German talent. I think a lot of of those guys playing in that tournament will have a long career whether that is in the NBA Euro league or Euro cup I will look forward to playing some of these guys in the near future
In 2024 you played Adidas Next gen with Ulm and was teammates with Noa Essengue and played against Real Madrid and Hugo Gonzalez. What do you remember personally taking from that tournament? That tournament was full of great players. I remember in Berlin watching the final match up between Madrid and a strong INSEP team a lot of great players who are making noise in the NBA right now Egor Demin being a guy who’s game I really appreciate.
You played at the 2025 FIBA U18 EuroBasket Division B in Romania -2025:playing 7 games averaging 3.6ppg. How is the state of youth basketball in the UK? What young guys from the UK can we look for in the future? The state of basketball in the UK, especially in the youth differentiates itself a lot from that of which occurs in the rest of Europe. It’s still got a long way to go in terms of reaching the standards that we witness across Europe. But there are some amazing coaches out there who do everything to make sure it continues to grow. My childhood coach and longtime mentor is Coach Isaac Omirin who has been such a key in my development and I wouldn’t be in this position if he wasn’t there. Obinna Ekufu, Tejan Rugette, Emmanuel Ahamefule are 3 young players I enjoy playing with and have extremely bright futures ahead of them. Jack Walton my 2nd favourite point guard (after Dante Patel) who’s game is top tier. Kimbe N’Gabala a young player who’s work ethic I really like is one to keep an eye on too.
Your 18 years old. What are your biggest goals as a player in the next years? At the top of the list is definitely to play in a great division one system in America playing a high major school in front of the crowds and making my family proud of things that I’ve dreamt about as a kid
Who was the toughest player that you faced in your career that reached the NBA? Pacome Dadiet a great friend of mine who now plays for the New York Knicks it’s definitely one of those players who I had a lot of trouble guarding while playing one V one or in the practices for ANGT. Flynn Broadmann Raffet is a player who isn’t in the NBA but now plays in the SLB putting up ridiculous numbers in the UK and is a player I could never figure out.
Please name your 5 teammates of all-time? No particular oder – Tejan Rugette, Dante Patel, Ay-Dan Moloney, Jervis Scheffs, Endurance Aiyamenkhue are my favourite teammates of all time. Special mention to Niko Jerkic and Oliver Kullamae some of my favourite hoopers who’s games I could watch on and on!
Please list your personal NBA and German Mount Rushmore of 4 best players of all-time? Personal NBA is my list not necessarily the greatest but my favourite. Kevin Durant, Kevin Garnett, Carmelo Anthony, Brandon Roy, German – Dennis Schröder, Franz Wagner, Isaac Bong and of course Dirk Nowitzki
Who is your GOAT? .My goat is most definitely Kevin Durant, I’ve always enjoyed his game how he gets to his sports in the mid range his ability to close out games and I’m most especially appreciate his workout videos where you can see in detail how he betters his game and how every repetition looks identical. One guy that definitely aspires me to meet one day and have a conversation with.
Raymond Somerville (211-C/F-2000, college: Delaware St.) is a 26 year old 211cm forward/center from Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania playing his second pro season and first with Neptunas Klaipeda (Lithuania-LKL). Last season he played his rookie season with KK TFT Skopje (North Macedonia-Super League) averaging 7.7ppg, 5.8rpg, Blocks-4 (1.3bpg), FGP: 59.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 64.4%. He began his basketball career at the Shipley School and then played at California State University from 2020-2022 an dthen played at Delaware State University from 2022-2025. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against the Niners Chemnitz.
Thanks Ray for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your second pro season overseas and first with Neptunas Klaipeda (Lithuania-LKL). How blessed do you feel to be playing overseas and Eurocup a top league in Europe? I am grateful for the opportunity to be at this wearing a Neptunas jersey and thankful to them for giving me the opportunity to play here. I’m thankful to all my teammates and coaches and family members, and everyone that supported me along the way.
After your rookie season in North Macedonia, now your in crazy basketball country Lithuania. How have you experienced the love for basketball so far in Lithuania?
While I am still new to the experience, what I’ll say so far is that the fans and community here are the best. To have such strong support in the arena and the city makes everything just better. We also have a development program and the kids are always excited to see us on our way to practice and on the way home.
What were the main reasons for joining Neptunas Klaipeda (Lithuania-LKL). What is your main goal with your game? I joined this team for the opportunity to compete at a high level everyday both in practice and in games. Along with the ability to learn and grow my IQ for the game. For me at this point I know I haven’t actualized my full potential with basketball. I think that there’s a lot more for me to go in terms of both on and off the floor with learning how this game works and being a professional.
How vital has it been having 2 big man vets like Einaras Tubutis and Martynas Echodas? How have you gotten adjusted playing and learning from them?
It has been great like I said working with and against Tubutis and Echodas has been great. It’s been a great learning experience in the time that we have been able to practice together. Being able to watch, ask and then figure out certain moves or actions with two high level players is exactly what I need.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 211cm center. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description? I think that is kind of difficult because NBA players play their roles at the highest of elite levels but if I were to say anybody, I feel like somewhere around Mitchell Robert and Nick Claxton with the fact of this rim protection to be a pick-and-roll five
You’re the classic rim protector that can rebound well. You have never averaged double figures in scoring in the NCAA or overseas. Is becoming more of a scoring threat a goal of yours? Becoming a great basketball player is my goal. I mean, I think scoring will become a part of it and give me a broader skillset but that’s never been my role and that’s never been a role that I gravitated towards. I love my role and I love what I can bring to teams.
What other strengths does your game incorporate? How is your passing out of the post? I believe my physical tools are my best attribute. I am a fast center and can create things for my team with just movement or good screens. My post passing is definitely something that has been developing and I’ll be able to work on but to be honest, I am not a traditional post-up big. I try to focus on understanding my teammates and by them communicating where they’re at to make everything simpler
Your the classic rim protector that can also block shots well. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?
I’ve always believed that my best role is being an anchor for a defense. Somebody that my teammates can rely on in to protect the paint while also be able to switch and guard on the perimeter. My switching defense is the next step that I want to work on. I want to work on being comfortable learning how to adjust my guarding to this level and be able to stop any single person on the floor no matter who it is because I do believe I have the capability to do so.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?
I would say my biggest thing is just consistency. Consistency is the biggest thing and then you know these increasing levels of basketball, you get to learn more about the smaller details and understanding the ins and outs of cuts and spacing and where to move on the floor, I’d say for me, my biggest thing to work on is understanding and mastering the short roll game.
Last season as a rookie you played with KK TFT Skopje (North Macedonia-Super League) averaging 7.7ppg, 5.8rpg, Blocks-4 (1.3bpg), FGP: 59.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 64.4%; Adriatic League 2 averaged 7.1ppg, 5.6rpg, Blocks-1 (1.4bpg), FGP: 68.9%, FT: 56.4%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?
Overseas, I think for me, that experience came with the blend of being in TFT Skopje. It was a great experience with my teammates and then the culture and everybody. A big piece was having Darren Govens and Stanley Davis Jr. They’re from Delaware County, Pennsylvania, just like me having that familiarity eased things. I guess the realization came in December. There was a short period of time I had a break and without going too far, a few life things didn’t go my way and it was kind of at that point time. I realize I’m out here on my own so I have to make the most of it
How vital was it having a veteran and allrounder around in Justin Gordon? Was he like a mentor for you? Yeah, so funny enough, Justin was the other piece of that puzzle. When it came to the familiarity, he was our other import from North Carolina and having him around was a major piece of understanding how to be a professional the way he carried himself and the way he treated his body was, I mean, it was great to be able to learn from and see, because that’s something that I had to take away and it’s the biggest piece of my game that I understood.
You beat Madzari in the playoffs and then lost to Pelister in 3games. What did you learn from your first pro playoff series? At that point, I think that would’ve been about our fourth or fifth playoff series after all our ABA 2 playoffs, but with that the main thing I learned is adjustments and consistency are the two biggest things to be able to win games being able to adjust on the fly and react to teams, whatever teams do well or whatever teams don’t do well and also learning to just move on not only from the next play or from the next game, you can’t allow the emotions of one game to drag into the next and you can’t allow the emotions in the eyes of one lead to the next year
You were 3 years at California State University Bakersfield (NCAA) and only played 16 games. How challenging were these 3 years especially mentally? What positives could you get out of it? I would say those three years brought a lot of challenges, but I don’t necessarily look at them as challenges, just obstacles. When I decided to go to Bakersfield I went because the staff there had everything I needed to develop and become a high level basketball player. I am thankful because I look back and know that they gave me the formula for success. I’d say the challenging parts came from just having to understand that it wasn’t my time and I was young, so it was frustrating. I think that was the biggest hurdle for me to overcome. They taught me how to become a pro. I just wasn’t able to recognize it.
You then moved to Delaware State University (NCAA) averaging 4.9ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.2bpg , 3.4ppg, 2.6rpg and. 3.1ppg, 2.1rpg. How did you experience these three years as a player. What was surprising your minutes dipped every season from start to end. For me, that moved when I left Bakersfield and moved to Del State it was for the opportunity, one, to be a part of the rotation, but I also moved there to help start and reestablish a culture, successful culture that builds good men and a good basketball program, and on the second, I’m glad to say that I was a major piece in getting that done and in my time there my minutes and all my play on the floor didn’t necessarily reflect what I wanted to get done or achieve I still was able to make an impact. Dealing with my father’s health and death at the time led to me not being able to focus on basketball or much of anything outside of that really, I call it a secondary lesson, having to learn that now wasn’t the time, but in terms of those things, I just move forward
You had great games against Lamar and Norfolk State in losing causes. What was your fondest moment on the court at Delaware State?
I would say my most enjoyable moment on the floor probably would’ve come from our run in the MEAC tournament in 25′ after we had finally gotten through a somewhat rocky season, but we were able to pull through and show that we were a good team and then we were able to get down to our conference tournament and make a run while unfortunately, we weren’t able to win the championship and win the crown it still was a great experience just being able to be consumed by basketball with nothing but the guys I’ve called my brothers for the past two years
How did head coach Stan Waterman groom and prepare you for a pro career?
I am thankful to Coach Waterman for the time we spent together. For me, I was able to learn a new side of how players can interact with coaches and coaching styles.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Alston Andrews?
I figure, out of the fairness and respect I have for AA, I’ll say it’s even. He had some days where he got me and I had some days where I was pretty decent but beyond that was honestly one of my greatest teammates, and I still look at him as a brother to this day and I’m wishing the best for him
Who is the toughest player that you ever face din the NCAA that reached the NBA?
I played against a lot of people that have now or have played in the NBA Funny enough, I think the toughest experience didn’t come from college, but from my first year playing varsity basketball. I ended up playing against Mo Bamba when he was the number-three-ranked player in his class as a senior and I think that was a tough experience, but although it was tough, it was great because I wasn’t scared but when you do that at 16, not much else really scares you.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Okay, but some of these are skill and some are family.
Sam Sessoms
Taze Moore
Kyle Johnson
Stanley Davis
K’vonn Cramer
Who is your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? Kevin Garnett, LeBron, Shaq, Kyrie
Who is your GOAT?
LeBron without a doubt
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? No, I did not watch the sequel. I’m going to be honest, I didn’t even watch the original.
The EPG Baskets Koblenz finally did that what they did in their Pro A debut 3 seasons ago this season and that was winning their first game of the season which was a high scoring explosion against Bayreuth. However the club hit reality big time again something that haunted them so much the last years when they followed up a big win with a loss. The EPG Baskets Koblenz traveled to Nurnberg 48 hours ago and lost 85-75 and saw that when their offense isn´t on, it will be difficult to win. Their three pointer didn´t fall and they had massive problems taking care of the ball. Koblenz had to show their true colors against Artland as they followed up the 91-87 loss to Giessen with a big 81-69 win over BG Goetingen totally buckling down on defense. The EPG Baskets Koblenz needed to be wicked sharp and get their offense rolling again and find a way to string along more stops. On a mild early fall day, the EPG Baskets Koblenz came into their living room without their starting point guard Tyren Moore who had injured himself in Nurnberg 48 hours earlier, but still stuck together for 40 minutes and played good team basketball and played a solid second half never allowing the Artland Dragons over the hump winning 92-80 and improving their record to 2-1. “It was a great team effort. We all came together for 40 minutes. We gave good energy in our comeback attempt in Nurnberg and wanted to take that into this game and did. We played more to being ourselves than not. Playing defense was a lot of fun and switching a lot. We played aggressive defense forcing them to tough lay ups and mid range shots”, stressed EPG Baskets Koblenz American Jayden Williams (198-F-2003, college: Dartmouth). The Artland Dragons didn´t bring their A game or their energy from their big win against BG Goettingen 48 hours ago. “This wasn´t a good game from us. We had no energy and weren´t able to execute our game plan”, stressed Artland Dragons guard Dominic Dolic. One guy who was totally thrilled was EPG Baskets Koblenz sport director Thomas Klein who hasn´t been used to winning so much in the last years. “That was a very high level attractive basketball game. We were aggressive at both ends and a great team effort. They all stayed together”, added Thomas Klein.
Ferenc Gille at the FT line
Both teams came out aggressive in the first minutes as there was little scoring seen, but more missed shots. Ex Dragon Rhondorf center Ferenc Gille gave Koblenz early energy with a few baskets while Artland got baskets from German Elijah Ndi and Canadian overseas rookie Jamal Fuller to tie the game 4-4. However the EPG Baskets Koblenz had the better offensive execution and were able to get into better position to score. Canadian rookie Mason Kraus added 5 free throws while Jayden Williams displayed his microwave abilities nailing back to back three´s off the bench for the 18-8 advantage. Koblenz was doing a great job stopping Artland´s pick and role with leader Buzz Anthony while dangerous scorer Jonathan Klussmann couldn´t find his spots due to tezhnaggressive on man defense from Koblenz. The Artland Dragons were already showing early that they couldn´t match the intensity of Koblenz as well as coming to terms with the physicality and switching on defense. Ex Trier forward Jannis Sonnefeld added free throws and ex Kirchheim forward Jonas Niedermanner made a basket in the last seconds to secure Koblenz the comfortable 22-12 lead after 10 minutes. Then point guard duo of Mason Kraus and Chase Johnson also sparkled as both were able to make an impact at both ends. “That was great defense. I never saw better defense than that from our team. Our pick and roll defense was great. Our 1-1 defense was also incredible. Our rotations were good. Our offense was ok”, added Thomas Klein. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 40% from the 2 point area and 33% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 1 turnover while the Artland Dragons shot 36% from the 2 point area and 0% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 5 turnovers.
Elijah Ndi from outside
That basketball is a game of runs is no secret in basketball as in the second quarter the Artland Dragons found better to their offense game and got back into the game and trailed only 46-38 at half-time. Koblenz began well getting a jumper from ex Santa Clara (NCAA) center Camaron Tongue and a lay in from Chase Johnson, but that didn´t faze the guests as they finally let it ran three´s as Klussmann connected twice and Anthony once as Koblenz only led 26-22. However Artland still wasn´t able to get over the hump as Koblenz continued to punch as did Klussmann. Klussmann was hot and also showed his mid range game scoring twice, but Koblenz countered with a Kraus trey and pretty fade away jumper from Tongue as Koblenz had the slim 32-26 lead. Both teams were executing very well on offense as Koblenz´s aggressiveness had worn off a bit and Klussman was getting to his spots better and not getting bumped around as much. The Artland Dragons then had a strong 2 minute faze stringing along stops and suddenly had tied the game 37-37. They got energy from the bench from ex Speyer forward Dejan Bruce with a lay in, 15 footer from Anthony and a trey from Klussmann. However the close game moved from that to a 8 point lead out of seemingly nothing for Koblenz as Jayden Williams unleashed the microwave exploding with 3 three´s at the end. Williams finished with a Pro A career high 26 points and 5/5 from outside. “I was feeling it today. But my teammates were putting me in great position today. I felt like a microwave”, smiled Jayden Williams. “Jayden played great. All his shots were contested or on the move. Plus he played real aggressive defense on Klussmann and Bohannon”, stated Thomas Klein. The EPG Baskets Koblenz led 46-38 at the break. “Klussmann brought Artland into the flow. He had too much room. They were more aggressive while we were less aggressive”, commented Thomas Klein. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 38% from the 2 point area and 40% from the three point line and had 19 rebounds and 1 turnover while the Artland Dragons shot 50% from the 2 point area and 27% from the three point line and had 20 rebounds and 7 turnovers.
Alex Moeller with the lay in
In the third quarter the EPG Baskets Koblenz had their best scoring 10 minutes scoring 28 points while the Artland Dragons weren´t too shabby either scoring 25 points, but still trailed 74-63 after 30 minutes. It was a quarter of both teams punching back and forth. Ex Clemson (NCAA) forward Naz Bohannon scored twice in the first minutes as he got good position and scored while Koblenz continued to share the ball well getting another trey from Tongue and a lay in from Gille as the bigs were producing well as Artland trailed 50-42. The EPG Baskets Koblenz also displayed their will to win which was bigger than Artland´s at this juncture. Koblenz was more attentive on the glass getting offensive rebounds and also making big defensive plays and hustle plays. Inside out player Jonas NIedermanner hit a big trey to keep the lead going well at 60-47. The Artland Dragons did a good job getting to the free throw line getting baskets from Dolic and Fuller to stay in the game, but overall could have been closer had they connected better from there. After 40 minutes they had missed a total of 8 free throws. The Artland Dragons just couldn´t find that defensive consistency from the BG Goettingen game allowing a try by Mason Kraus and pretty baby hook shot from Tongue for the 74-61 lead after 3 quarters. Kraus had a solid game with 13 points and 4 dimes in 20 minutes and celebrated his real Pro A break through. “Mason had a great game. He made the game fast, hit big shots and his agility helped him play great defense”, stressed Thomas Klein. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 43% from the 2 point range and shot 45% from the parking lot and had 26 rebounds and 4 turnovers while the Artland Dragons shot 57% from the 2 point area and 26% from the parking lot and had 27 rebounds and 9 turnovers. “Our focus was on Klussmann on defense and did a good job against him. On offense we did a good job having longer possessions and slowing down at times. We like to paly fast, but when in the half court look for good shots”, warned Jayden Williams. “We had a bad start with too little energy. We did a good job getting to the free throw line, but missed too many”, explained Dejan Bruce.
Dejan Bruce at the FT line
Both teams stepped off the scoring pedal in the fourth quarter combining for 37 points as the Artland Dragons never cut the lead down closer than 9 points. The first few minutes was a real turnover party as both teams coughed up the ball on a regular basis. The game had become sloppy. German American Grant Tecihmann who once hit 9 three´s and 28 points in Koblenz with Pro B team Dresden now has a very reduced role this season connected on a trey while Williams and Johnson added lay in´s as Koblenz led 78-67 and Artland just couldn´t get closer. After a Bohannon lay in, the EPG Baskets Koblenz then put a stamp on the win with a lethal 13-2 run to extend their lead to 91—71 and ultimately decide the game. In the run, the EPG Baskets Koblenz got back to back 3 free throws from Jayden Williams for a total of 6 while Sonnefeld added a lay in as did Chase Johnson. Koblenz had a few more minutes to go and couldn´t end the game in total immaculate fashion as the Artland Dragons ended the game strong finishing with a brutal 9-0 run so their end result didn´t look quite as bad. Bruce and Bohannon added lay in´s while Klussmann got a few more points, but couldn´t tie his Pro A best 28 points against Bochum and ended with 27 points. “We had better energy and wanted to try to get back into the game with better defense”, said Dejan Bruce. “We brought so much energy in the fourth that it would have been impossible not to go on a run”, added Jayden Williams. The EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by Jayden Williams with 26 points. Mason Kraus added 13 points and Camaron Tongue 12 points while the Artland Dragons were led by Jonathan Klussmann with 27 points. Jamal Fuller added 14 points and Naz Bohannon 10 points. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 42% from the field and 39% from outside and had 35 rebounds and 8 turnovers while the Artland Dragons shot 43% from the field and 25% from outside and had 36 rebounds and 12 turnovers,
Naz Bohannon (198-F-1999, college: Clemson) is a 27 year old 198cm forward playing his fifth professional season in Germany and first with the Artland Dragons. Last season he played with Science City Jena averaging 5.2ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 65.6% He played the last 2 seasons with Phoenix Hagen (Germany-ProA) averaging 12.4ppg, 6.6rpg, 2.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 60.8% and 13.3ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 12.5%, FT: 60.9%. He played his rookie season overseas with at Rasta Vechta (Germany-ProA) averaging 9.0ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.2apg, FGP-1 (73.4%), 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 55.2%. He began his basketball career with Lorain, OH / Lorrain High School and left as the all-time leading scorer with 1,385 career points with 872 career rebounds and guided the team to a three-year mark of 69-8. He then played at Youngstown State University (NCAA) from 2017-2021 and in his last year averaged16.5ppg, 8.2rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 59.8%. He played an extra season at Clemson University (NCAA) averaging 5.7ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 68.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big win over BG Goettingen.
Congrats on the massive 81-69 win over BG Goettingen. What a statement after the tough 91-87 loss to Giessen. How good does this win feel? The first of the season?
It was a great feeling. We have abunch of young guys so any win is exciting. We have been together only 7-8 weeks and I came late to the team. This win helped us continue to build momentum and consistency.
Zach Jackson had a big game in the loss to the RheinStars, but didn´t play tonight. How fortunate was that he didn´t play or would the Artland defense had stopped him as well? We tend to focus on ourselves. That is the best that we can do. We had no clue that he wouldn´t play and we prepared thinking that he would play. We focus on what we can control. That is the best way to win.
Artland had the fast 7-2 lead thanks to a basket by Buzz Anthony and 2 assists. How vital is his leader ship and play for the Dragons success? I played against him in Pro A years ago. He has a household name in the league. He is the heart beat of the Dragons. We connect well as a team with him and have learned what he needs and we help him. He is a leader and the heart on the floor.
Artland had the big 20-7 lead, but after 10 minutes led only 23-20 allowing a 13-3 run in the last minutes. What was key for BG Goettingen getting back into the game?
I think that phase was just a part of having growing pains with a young team early in a new season. We were trying to find our consistency. We also got away from certain things on offense and allowed them back in the game. We need to learn to value every possession so we don’t sway in a direction that will allow the opponent come back.
In the second quarter the Artland Dragons kept the pressure on keeping the sound lead as German Ralph Hounnou had a trey and 2 assists. What have you appreciated most about his game? I love Ralph. He is a real sponge that is always eager to learn. He loves the game so much that he wants to keep growing as a player. He has so much potential and he knows what he has to do so he can become exceptional.
The Artland Dragons had the comfortable 45-34 advantage at the break. After allowing 91 points against Giessen, where did you want to make the most strides on the defensive end?
I think that we focused on what we want our team identity to be which is being a defensive team. We did a good job getting defensive rebounds and getting in the gaps. We did the small things really well and defended well as a team. We take pride on defense.
In the third quarter the Artland Dragons continued to manage the lead well, but lost a little control in the last minutes to lead only 63-57. Did the team get a little sloppy on defense?
We got out of the things we usually do. We slowed down the offense and didn´t let them get comfortable. The flagrant was a big swing in the game.
In the fourth quarter the Artland Dragons heightened their defense allowing only 12 points. What was the biggest strength on defense during the 40 minutes? Our energy and effort was our biggest strength. These are two things that you can´t teach. Elijah Ndi was huge for us. He set the tone on defense and his energy was infectious.
Domonic Dolic and Grant Teichmann were kept combined to 3 points in 24 minutes. How hungry are you guys to break out again in Koblenz?
I think that we have a team where any guy can step up on any night. When the ball is popping and they start to see it go in, then they will start knocking down more shots. We are a dangerous offensive team and the ball will find them.
The Artland Dragons next battle 1-1 team EPG Baskets Koblenz. What has been your impression of them? It is hard to pinpoint exactly what type of team they are so early in the season. They have a lot of young guys that have found their way early. Key for us will be to break up their rhythm and make them feel uncomfortable. Every team is dangerous in the Pro A. You can´t underestimate anyone. The young uys will feel like they have something to prove after the loss against Nurnberg.
They are an explosive scoring team that likes to play physical. Can the Dragons have another impressive defensive performance against them? It will a real battle. They lost a tough game. Some guys may feel like they beat themselves. Our identity is our defense. We can control that. We will be fine. I like our team. I think that with our energy and enthusiasm, we can defend anyone.
Last season you averaged 5.2ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 65.6% with Jena. The season ended well staying in the league, but your minutes were 10 less than the year before. How did you summarize your season?
Key last season for me was growth as a human being. There were things going on in Jena last season that the public didn´t see. Despite the difficulties, I chose to stand tall and keep pushing forward. We had a great group of guys and banned together. If you focus to much on stats then you may lose yourself. I never complained, but fought through adversary. I was really fortunate to paly in the BBL and my path will work. I feel like I played well in the minutes I got last season.
What are your expectations for your game this season? Your back in the Pro A with a talented team?
I´m here to help in any way. I think that there is always room for improvement. I want to show in games this season which I have worked hard to improve. I achieved a lot in the Pro A stat wise and with teams. I want to build that again now with the Dragons. I want to be the best me that I can be.
Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Jamal Fuller?
I love his game. But I don´t take many guys over myself. When we play, it will be a fun game.
It was the season opener for Pro B team Fellbach Flashers against Leitershofen and after 30 minutes, the home team had the comfortable 68-50 advantage. Sometimes clubs lose focus with a big lead and get in danger of losing control, but on this day, the Flashers made a big statement in the Pro B that they are a team that every team has to be aware of. After 40 minutes Fellbach had dismantled Leitershofen 82-64vwho had been a mainstay in the Pro B playoffs the last years and shown how together their team was after one game. With many new pieces like scorer Jonathan Zeisberger, defensive stopper Dennis Diala and American D’Monte Brown (193-G-2000, college: Langston), the team showed just how lethal they could be against another top team like Leitershofen. “We set the tone form the start and stuck together. Coach Kris Borisov told us before the game to punch them in the mouth and show our fans that we are different. We were so energized and communicated so well on defense. We showed that we wanted to win”, stressed D’Monte Brown. The team never slowed down on defense and only allowed 24 points on the defensive end in the second half. “We pressed the whole game and never let them breathe. We rebounded well and stopped their drive. Our biggest strength was our aggressiveness”, warned D’Monte Brown. Does this team have the possibility to be a good defensive team or a great defensive team? “It´s too early to say, but I think sky is the limit for us. We still have a lot to work on, but if we continue to ply like this, then we can be one of the best defensive teams”, added D’Monte Brown. The American averaged 20 + points in the Regionalliga the last two seasons and exploded for 22 points in his Pro B debut displaying no adjustment time. Is reaching the top 10 scoring list of the Pro B a weekly goal for him? “I know what I bring to the table. I know that I can score. The most important thing for me is to make my teammates better and do whatever is needed to help the team win. I can´t let my teammates down”, warned D’Monte Brown.
There are always teams that find a groove early in preseason that then transform well into the regular season. Pro A team EPG Baskets Koblenz demonstrated that in their first game against Bayreuth and Fellbach did the same against Leitershofen. “We are a team that plays aggressive defense and can score at a high level. We have many scorers. The whole starting 5 can score in double figures. We have so many guys that can put up good numbers. It will be hard to guard us”, warned D’Monte Brown. One player who could be the team´s main scorer is German Jonathan Zeisberger who dominated the Pro B last season scoring 30 points or more 8 times with Oberaching. He has Pro A experience, but opted for Pro B again. “He is a great player. He is young and still learning. He has no difficulty getting to the rim. He is the leagues best driver. He is a good defender and showed he can move the ball dishing out 9 assists in first game. He is a great teammate”, stated D’Monte Brown. Another valuable player is Dennis Diala who is his roommate and has developed into a defensive stopper the last years. However his offensive game is also gotten a lot better. “He may be second best player on team. He brings a lot to the table. He can score at a high level and also hit big three´s. He is a 3 level scorer and can defend 2-5. He is another guy that I feel isn´t respected in this league”, stressed D’Monte Brown. Another interesting player Daniel Zacek who has played well the last years at the Pro B level. Is he more than just a 3 and D player? “Yes he is. He is a great defender at the 2, but can also guard the 3. He will help us be able to impact the game”, commented D’Monte Brown. The team also picked up 2 more great players with Maryland native Jason Edokpayi who may be a rookie overseas, but has vital experience having played for NCAA school Fairfield and NCAA 2 schools New Haven and Bridgeport and 213cm big Best Otakpo who has Pro A experience and last season made his Pro B break through with the Dresden Titans averaging 8.5ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 62.9%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 63.2%. “Jason can defend the 3. I think he is a Pro B sleeper, but he also will make an impact. He is athletic, can block shots and dunk. He is still finding himself and I think he also could have a great season. I see Best being the best 7 footer in the pro B south. He can block shots, defend the 4/5 and catch any lob”, warned D’Monte Brown.
The scoring ace who believes that the Philadelphia 76ers have so many great pieces with Lebron James and others that they could win it all this season remembers Frank Mason being his toughest cover in college had a great first game with 22 points and saw differences to the Regionalliga and Pro B. “The Pro B is faster and more physical. The Pro B also has more talent and deeper rosters. Guys care more to win in pro B whereas in the Regionalliga, guys are more concerned with sticking”, said D’Monte Brown. He has paid his dues his whole basketball life playing JUCO, NAIA and Regionalliga. Having that weight of a chip on his shoulder never gets lighter, but heavier. “It keeps growing. I feel like I have to keep proving myself. I have won titles and wanting to win more never changes. I just want to win it all. Coach Kris Borisov brought me to Fellbach to win. I want to prove the world that I can lead this team to the title”, warned D’Monte Brown. Will it be Ok for him not to be that explosive scorer like the last years? “You need to make sacrifices and fit in. We are so balanced that I don´t need to score 26 points. If I feel like I need to step up, I will, but we are so balanced. I´m not too worried that I need to score. I have less pressure to score this season. I have more help now. That will help us get to where we want to be”, stressed D’Monte Brown. He shot 40% last season from the parking lot and wants to continue that trend this season. “I´m always working on my game not only my three. I take 200 mid range shots each day. I need to always be ready and I working on keeping my shot consistent and shooting at a high level. I have to make the opponents defense use strategies to stop me”, added D’Monte Brown. He worked on getting bigger last summer as he wants to make the next step in the Pro B this season. “My biggest weakness is guarding bigger guards. I can guard 1-3, but also want to guard 1-4. I have to keep lifting weights to stay strong and healthy”, warned D’Monte Brown. After living is the former Eastern Germany in Aschersleben and Jena, he has already adapted well to Fellbach and has felt the early love already from the fans. “The fans are amazing and are already ready for our next game. It is supposed to be sold out”, said D’Monte Brown. It will be interesting to see if Fellbach can make a real run this season. If they do, then D’Monte Brown could become immortal in the hearts of the fans of the Fellbach Flashers.
It was January 12th, 2018 and I was back home in Boston for a visit after having lived overseas for 18 years. I liked coming home in the winter to visit my mom and brother while also being able to check out the Boston Celtics. I also checked out the college calendars and was real happy when I saw Colgate playing Boston University on this day. The reason was that Michael Hakim Jordan was an assistant for Colgate and he had been a guy I had covered in Germany for years when he was balling professionally. I had always had a good bond to him and now I was able to finally see him again after 7 years. We had some nice small talk before the game reminiscing about the good old days in the BBL. Then the game began and little did I know, but there were two guys with Will Rayman and Max Mahoney from Colgate who would later go on to play in Germany. Mahoney would play in the second division Pro A with Kirchheim while Raymon reached the first league with BG Goettingen and some years later even reached the Euroleague. But there was another guy with Javante McCoy (196-G-1998, college: Boston U.) who would also go on to a professional career. Now in 2026, I had the opportunity to interview him. When I did more research on him, I found out that we actually had some things in common. He went to Phillips Exeter Academy as did my step sister, I went to Boston University for two years and I saw him play that day when he was a freshman. If someone had told me in 2018 that I would interview him one day, I probably would of believed it since I interview so many guys, but it is still crazy how small the world is. I remember living on West Campus at Boston University when I was there. “I lived in the freshman dorms near T-Anthony. That is crazy how small the world is and you saw me play back when I was a freshman and now your interviewing me”, stressed Javante McCoy. I also remember seeing him play in the smaller Case center. I remember having seen Michael Hakim Jordan also in 2013 at a Boston University when he was with Colgate, but back then the game was played in the bigger Agganis arena. “I remember when I was recruited, they played in the bigger arena, but they then moved to the Case gym when I began as a freshman”, remembered Javante McCoy. The reason why they changed arenas was because the Agganis arena was too big for them to produce a lively atmosphere. By the way Boston University really buckled down on defense and beat Colgate 72-58 as Javante McCoy produced 10/3/2 stats in 23 minutes that day.
Javante McCoy who lists Lonnie Walker and AJ Lawson as his toughest opponents in the NCAA was born on January 28th, 1998 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He got early basketball experience at Wakeland high school in Texas and then at Phillips Exeter Academy. He then headed to Boston to play at Boston University from 2017-2022. He played a total of 146 games wining the Patriot Title in 2020 and was named to the All-Patriot League Third Team and Patriot League All-Tournament Team -twice in 2020 and 2022. It isn´t difficult to understand that playing ball at BU and going to school were some of the best times in his life. “I created a lot of bonds. That 2020 team was very special. College was just different. You were living with guys and spending time with them 8 hours a day. We went to meals and also had study hall”, remembered Javante McCoy. He won the Patriot League in 2020 upsetting Colgate 64-61. It was the first Patriot League title in BU history. “I remember that they had the chance to tie. Jordan Burns of Colgate took a trey having a clean look and missed. The buzzer sounded and it didn´t feel real. Walter Whyte lay on the ground stone cold. All rushed the court. Everybody was hugging each other. My family and friends were there hugging each other. It was a great feeling”, remembered Javante McCoy. He showed consistency averaging scoring in double figures in his last 4 seasons and in his last 2 seasons averaged 16/4/2 in his last and scored in double figures in 48 of 51 contests. He had big scoring games hitting Navy for 30 points, Loyola MD for 30 points and Binghamton for 27. He was fortunate being able to learn from head coach Joe Jones for all 5 years. “I love coach Jones. He did such a great job with all. He gave me a lot of playing time as a freshman. He was always brutually honest with me and also got in my face and made you work, but at the same time would tell you that he loved you. He was tough and pushed me to limits where I was able to grow mentally and physically as well as a person”, said Javante McCoy who remembers winning the majority of the 1-1´s in practice with Walter Whyte.
The Wisconsin native who lists the Patriot League title team starting 5 of Walter Whyte, Max Mahoney, Jordan Harper, Sukhmail Mathon and himself as his best teammates of alltime began his professional career playing NBA Summer League with the Los Angeles Lakers averaging 10.2ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 87.5%. He then played at the Lakers training camp and was a kid from Boston University who was suddenly doing drills with Lebron James and Anthony Davis and others. Did he feel in total awe of these legends? “Lebron James was my favorite player as a kid. I remember seeing him play against the Bucks in Milwaukee and scoring 55 points. A part of me on the court was going OMG it´s Lebron, but at the same time I had to keep some form of tunnel vision. Lebron was a cool dude that had lots of energy. I was always talking to him. I remember doing events and seeing how crazy the fans were”, stated Javante McCoy. He didn´t make the Lakers, but suited up with the South Bay Lakers (NBA G League) averaging 12.6ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 75.0%. Being in that kind of atmosphere really helped him shape his skills as a rookie. “It was a great rookie season. It was a totally different ball game. It was surreal for me having watched Lebron James and Russell Westbrook as a kid and now I was practicing with them. But at the same time, I played with one of the top teams in the G-League that season with South Bay. We were #1 for a time. I had to be iron sharp each day as I was playing against top players. Playing against a top defender like Shaq Harrison really helped me. I also remember guys like Jay Huff, Scottie Pippen Jr, Cole Swider and Devin Cannady as guys who also gave me good competition in practice. This experience helped me stay locked in and showed me just how close I was to the NBA”, remembered Javante McCoy. That season he scored in double figures in 24 of 42 games including nailing 27 points against Iowa as well as 25 points against the G League Ignite. In the 2023-2024 season he played with the Austin Spurs (NBA G League) averaging 9.2ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 54.7%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 68.5%. His fluctuations with minutes was staggering that season. “That was a tough season for me. We had many guards and I was up and down with minutes. I could only control what I could. I had a plan about what I had to work on. I stayed patient and ready”, remembered Javante McCoy. He had some good scoring games with 24 points against Santa Cruz and 22 points against Birmingham. He even had a rare triple double against Memphis with a stat line of 22/10/10. “That was a good game for me. It was a testament of the hard work that I put in and showed me I could do this. I had always been a great scorer my whole career, but this game showed I could be a great rebounder and facilitator as well”, expressed Javante McCoy.
The versatile wing who lists Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore played with played with the Motor City Cruise (NBA G League) averaging 12.9ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 59.6%, 3PT: 45.1%, FT: 88.9%. His season was cut short on January 5th due to a season ending injury. “That was still a great season for me. I had good shooting percentages. I had a role as being that 6th or 7th guy off the bench as a scorer and defender. I really impacted the game and got good feedback from GM´s. I got a call up at the end of the G-League showcase and said I would get an opportunity, but then got injured which ended my season”, said Javante McCoy. He scored 23 points against Wisconsin and 22 points against Iowa. Last season he began with the Grand Rapids Gold (NBA G League) averaging 14.7ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 53.1%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 85.3%. It was you’re his fourth season in the G-League. After the stint, he headed overseas to Israel. Did he lose faith in the NBA? “I feel like I didn´t lose faith in the NBA. I knew then what I wanted from basketball. I wanted to challenge myself and step into a new situation and role overseas. I will know that if it is right then the NBA will happen if I continue to put in the work”, warned Javante McCoy. With Motor City he scored in double figures in 33 of 40 games including hitting the Cleveland Charge for 27, Maine for 25 points and the Raptors 905 for 25 as well. He was so consistent for 4 months, but still wasn´t rewarded with a NBA call up. “Everyone was telling me that I was close to a two-way contract. I was at the top of the conversation. I played really well in the second half, but I had a flair up with my knee which probably cost me that call up”, remembered Javante McCoy. After his last destination in the G-League he came overseas at the end of the 2025-2026 season and balled with Elitzur BRIGA Netanya (Israel-Winner League) averaging (18.3ppg), 3.4rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 26.1%, FT: 75.0%. Most Americans coming overseas for the first time have a wake up call and it wasn´t any different for him. “It was the travel. The flight over to Europe was my longest flight ever. The jet lag was tough. Generally I´m a person who can adapt pretty quickly to new surroundings. All the people were great. I was on a mission and had no time to let it sink in. I had a game right away”, remembered Javante McCoy. He scored in double figures in 10 of 13 games and proved right away that he could be a potent scorer at a high level as he exploded for 35 points against H.Be’er Sheva and 30 points against H.Galil Elyon.
The ex G-League player who lists Lebron James as his GOAT is now in his first full season overseas playing for Balkan Botevgrad (Bulgaria-NBL) and also competing in Eurocup action. His self-confidence must be sky high after finishing so strong last season in Israel in the high level league Winner league. “I feel really good. I was already feeling good at Motor City after coming off my injury. I didn´t know what to expect when I arrived in Israel. Those two months really helped me in Israel. It was a test trial. I saw what it was like to travel across the world and play overseas. The experience helped me understand how different it is here and just to get on top of it”, stressed Javante McCoy. Like In Israel, he needed no real adjustment period in Bulgaria. “It is a great organization that is run pretty well from top to bottom. They are good people and I respect all of them. All have welcomed me with open arms and all are on the same page. That is what you need in order to be successful”, added Javante McCoy. The team has 2 Americans and then other guys from various countries like Bulgaria, Australia, Africa or Serbia. How enriching has all the different nationalities been for you on and off the court? “It is really crazy where basketball can take you. On paper, only Darnel Edge and me are Americans. I have created a good bond with the other guys. It is no problem connecting with them. We all try to go in the same direction and the dynamic is cool. We all understand that it isn´t about individuality, but what we do together”, warned Javante McCoy. He is a player that fills the stat sheet really well and a great shooter that has a big role this season. “My role is to be a leader and scorer. But I also feel like I still have to bring more. I´m one of the older guys on the team. I have to be able to bring my experience and get all on the same page. I have to play smart, aggressive, pass and make the right reads. I have to challenge myself on defense and be disruptive. I have to be a 2 way player”, stressed Javante McCoy. It will be interesting to see how the game of Javante McCoy continues to develop overseas. He made a name for himself in the G-League and now it´s time to do the same overseas. Plus he is still searching for his first pro chip.
The season opener of the EPG Baskets Koblenz against Medikamente Per Click Bayreuth had just ended and all you saw in the CGM arena was people with happy faces. The last three years had produced no playoff appearances and the hunger for a successful season continued to be in the heads of everyone. After winning four of five pre season games against Pro A games, the anticipation was massive for the opener in the pretty living room in Koblenz. The club led by head coach Stephan Dohrn didn´t disappoint as they marched out to a shoot out 109-90 victory over Medikamente Per Click Bayreuth. Granted the guests were missing 4 main players, but the EPG Baskets showed a consistent and overpowering offensive performance that will give many Pro A teams fits this season. There were a few side stories concerning the game including the return of Joshua Bonga who comes from the region and he didn´t disappoint as he had a Pro A career high 30 points. The other theme was a feel good story concerning Mason Kraus (190-G, college: Manitoba) and Simon Hildebrandt. They had been teammates for two years in Canada at Manitoba University (U Sports) and then after Hildebrandt left for High Point (NCAA) and Washington State University (NCAA), their paths crossed again this past summer as they suited up again together for the Winnipeg Sea Bears winning the CEBL title. Now 5 weeks later, they were back again in Koblenz as opponents. After the 40 minute battle, both were smiling even if Hildebrand had lost. After the game, they had some catching up to do. “We said a few words before the game, but said let´s talk after the game. It was great seeing him again. I missed his wedding, because I had to come to Koblenz. This was my first time I saw him since he got married. He is one of my best friends. We are friends for life”, stressed Mason Kraus who was roommates with him at Manitoba and they were always together eating all meals together. In Germany Mason Kraus has found some tasty things as he likes to eat Doner, Wiener Schnitzel and banana flavor deserts
It was absolutely no surprise that Mason Kraus was all smiles after the buzzer sounded. The EPG Baskets Koblenz played an all around good game and showed that they can play well for 40 minutes and close out the win without problems. Last season there were too many times where the club panicked and lost control of the game and lost. Yesterday they set an early tone that the depth of the team will be vital for success this season. “We scored 100 points which was nice. We did a good job sharing the ball and really concentrated on the We and not the I. We showed that at times that our defense can be amazing. We showed our identity tonight”, stated Mason Kraus. The shooting percentages of the EPG Baskets Koblenz were high and the way that they should be when you have an elite scoring team. They shot 75% from the two point area, 59% from the field and 36% from outside. “Our assists were really high. We did a good job also not getting away from the game plan, but sticking to it. We never stopped attacking and kicking to the shooters. We also did a super job forcing many turnovers”, commented Mason Kraus. For a first game the club also did a good job on the boards securing 31 rebounds and 11 offensive rebounds. Of course there were also some negative things like the defense which allowed 90 points. Obviously that is something the club will work on diligently this week in practice in preparation for the Artland Dragons next weekend. “We had a third quarter lapse. We showed though that as a whole we stayed locked in. Those are signs of a great team. Mental lapses happen and we have to learn to finish the game well on defense and play our style”, warned Mason Kraus. Koblenz also dominated the points in the paint 54-32 and had 15 second chance points. Surprisingly there were no fast break points which is very difficult to believe.
So how did the two buddies fare head to head on the court? Mason Kraus finished with 6 points, 1 rebounds and 2 assists in 16,01 minutes. Even if it wasn´t the brilliant performance, it was one of those nights that happen when your on a team that has 6-7 guys that can score in double figures per game. “I only took 2 shots. I could have been more aggressive. It just wasn´t my night to be the main scorer. I sacrificed my shots for the team. That is how good we are as a team. I took myself out of the picture and played for the team. I´m just glad we won”, said Mason Kraus. One also can´t forget that he missed the first weeks of pre season and was at a disadvantage. However he continues to make steps with his adaption to the Euro style. “Having to adapt has been seamless. Everyone in the organization have been so helpful. Adapting to the physicality is a challenge, but I´m a player that likes to play physical. I just have to learn to play physical while adding less fouls”, stated Mason Kraus. The guard who plays like Damian Lillard and once battled NBA player Bennedict Mathurin on the court averaged 33 minutes per game with Manitoba in his last two seasons now has to adapt coming from the bench. Is this something that he can get used to and is that starting job important for him? “I would love to start and it would be naïve if I didn´t want to. I hope there will be times when I can start, but for me most important is that I play and can contribute”, stressed Mason Kraus who loves the hominess of Koblenz and really enjoys the beautiful community of Koblenz. Simon Hildebrandt had a great Pro A debut scoring 15 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 25 minutes and shot 50% from the field. “I knew that he would have a good game. He had opportunities through out the game and late in the game capitalized on them”, said Mason Kraus. He will have to wait until April 3, 2027 for revenge when both teams meet again. ”It was great to see Mason again. He is one of my closest friends and teammates that I have. I have the our next game circled on the calendar”, stressed Simon Hildebrandt. For now Mason Kraus has the bragging rights for 6 months. “I know that our former school Manitoba will have a report on this game on their website. I know our former coach and others watched this game”, stated Mason Kraus. So was there any kind trash talking on the court between the two friends? “Maybe with the others on the team, but for us we respect both sides. It was tame, but I expect it to pick up during the season”, warned Mason Kraus.
