Pic Credit: Angel Media

Even if KJ Sherrill (203-F/C-1991, college: Augusta) who feels that the New York Knicks were more hungry and wanted it more than the Spurs helped them win the 2026 NBA title didn´t know it yet then back between 2018-2020 when he played for the then SG Luetzel-Post Koblenz (Germany-Regionalliga) that would land back in Koblenz 5 years later as a coach. But if one looks back at his pro career overseas, the SG Luetzel-Post Koblenz (Germany-Regionalliga was his most consistent time as a pro as he played 45 Regionalliga games and averaged 9.2ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 61.4%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 77.4% and 12.9ppg, 8.7rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 69.5%. Ok so he did spend 3 seasons in Limburg, but that was during Covid and in his last season played only 1 game. Koblenz was always a place that stayed dear in his heart. “My 2 years in Koblenz was very nice! We were successful on the court, but the relationship I built with my teammates was the best. Players like Yassin Mahfouz and Zaire Thompson made playing for Koblenz exciting. Best moments had to be winning games with them being a part of the success”, remembered KJ Sherrill. It also helped that his ex head coach with the Dragons Rhondorf Stephan Dohrn became the new head coach in 2025. It was only logical that he would follow. He continues to make steps as a coach as he helped win the Pro B title with the Dragons Rhondorf in 2024 and was an assistant coach last season in the Pro A with Koblenz. Now he will take a new step as he will be a full-time youth coach with the club. “Taking this step and coaching young boys is nothing new for him. “I have a strong bond with the youth in general, no matter if I’m in the States or in Germany. I work well with them and I enjoy pushing them to become better persons on and off the court. So when the offer was presented to me, I took it into consideration. I want to be the one who helps put youth basketball in Koblenz on the map”, warned KJ Sherrill.

Pic credit: Angel Media

Before we talk about the future with the Georgia native, it is necessary to digest the past and the last season with the EPG Baskets Koblenz that ended with a 14h place and a record of 13-20. I always thought that with the talent that the club had on paper, they were a team with playoff potential, but it just wasn´t meant to be. In some ways it was a season of what if´s in the last 2 months where some close games were lost. “Despite the season record, I think we showed an improvement from the previous season’s they’ve had. There were a lot of close games we lost at the buzzer or within the last quarter. I think we proved to the league and fans that we had a strong team who just came up short within many games. On top of that, we had injuries that were unfortunate for us”, stressed KJ Sherrill. After the incredible buzzer beater win in Crailsheim the EPG Baskets Koblenz finished the season losing 7 of 8 games. The team lost close games against Paderborn and Tuebingen. Would a few better results been rewarded with a playoff appearance? “There were many games that we fought until the end, but just came up short for the win. Whether that’s from lack of discipline or lack of focus and also playing without certain players due to injuries. With a complete healthy team and more focus, we could’ve been a playoffs team for sure”, said KJ Sherrill. A big problem during the season was the team defense and it was an area that just didn´t get better during the season. “When other teams made runs, I think we just got a little too excited and instead of answering back with a structured offense, we tend to think one person can take over the game and win for themselves. But basketball is a team sport, so if everyone isn’t hungry and ready on defense, the defense will get exposed”, stated KJ Sherrill. The club was a great offensive team. That aspect of the season was one where EPG fans got their money´s worth. “Coach Stephan does a great job of recruiting players that can flat out score, for instance Tim Smith, Calvin Wishart, and DJ Jeffries. He does a phenomenal job of giving players confidence and the green light to score the ball. It has been a pleasure working with him throughout these years. Each year for me with him is another year of learning and growing as a coach. He has helped me grow and is continuing doing so”, remembered KJ Sherrill.

Pic Credit: Angel Media

For the 203cm forward who believes that NBA teams will have match up problems against the Celtics should Giannis be traded there had another season where he produced very fond memories with all the players he worked with. One of those special players was Minnesota native Calvin Wishart who will continue his career in the easyCredit BBL. “Calvin was great working with because the dude can ball, no question at all if he’s able to play in the BBL. His skill set makes him one of the best guards this past season, so I can definitely see him being successful in the top league of Germany”, warned KJ Sherrill. He also will never forget defensive specialist Devonte McCall who brought the needed impactful energy at both ends. “Devonte was valuable to this team more than ever. Simply because he was a monster whenever he wanted to be. Vonte was by far the strongest, most athletic guard/wing player in the league. When we needed a stop defensively, we knew we could count of him to try his best to get us a stop. He was hungry and us coaches knew we could rely on him as well as making a play offensively”, commented KJ Sherrill. Another great performer was work horse DJ Jeffries who often carried the team in vital phases of a game. “DJ Jeffries had to be one of the best additions to the team because not only was he a work horse, he was a great team player as well. Very unselfish but also knew that he could score the ball whenever he wanted to. Literally can play multiple positions, can guard multiple positions and was very coachable. Players like DJ is what every coach would love to have on their roster”, remembered KJ Sherrill. Badu Buck was a guy that could get hot at anytime as well as make big plays on defense. He is also a very jovial guy. He is a guy that had a very special place in Sherrill´s heart after already winning a title in Rhondorf. “Badu Buck would be the player I’m more close to, our relationship goes deeper than basketball. One of the best shooters we had on the team and by far the best captain us coaches has ever had. We knew we could count on him to make big shots for us, which he did! We’ve created so many memories that I can’t point out just one specific”, smiled KJ Sherrill. One player who was a great candidate for unsung hero was Alex Moeller who often was a scoring force from the bench. “Alex Moeller came up big for us towards the end of the season. Even if he didn’t start the game, he was the one who we needed on the court at the end of the game with his big and strong presence under the basket”, added KJ Sherrill. So who was the best candidate for most improved on the team? “I would say Tim Smith Jr. We knew that he was a great scorer in Pro B, but he transitioned into becoming one of the best scorers in Pro A. Tim is a guy who can play in any league in Europe and be affective with his ability to shoot. Great player with even greater character”, warned KJ Sherrill. It is easy to understand why the big buzzer beater winner by Julian Larry was his favorite moment of the season. “Each game we won I’d say was a great feeling, but yes the my most favorite game would be the buzzer beater against Crailsheim. Beating them in their gym with an energetic atmosphere was exciting and fulfilling”, expressed KJ Sherrill.

Pic Credit: Angel Media

The ex Charlotte (NCAA) player who believes with his confident side that he could win 1 out of 10 1-1 game against Wemby, but then again believes that in reality that he wouldn´t be able to score 1 point against him also developed further as a coach in 2025-2026. “My growth came from assisting Coach Stephan. He does a great job critiquing the game of basketball and simplifying it to a way us coaches can understand and to also teach the players ourselves. Not only does he give the players confidence, he gives us assisting him confidence as well”, said KJ Sherrill. He has a new challenge with the EPG Baskets Koblenz as youth coach and is more than prepared. “I’m looking forward mostly in watching the youth grow from the 1st day of training until the end of their career’s. Watching them train day in and day out to reach that level they all would love to be at. I will support and build confidence to them to the fullest that they all with get to that point”, stated KJ Sherrill. He will be more than busy as he will also help in other areas this upcoming season. “I will be fully committed to the youth players and teams, coaching them and molding them into elite players with my skill development and trainings. I will also continue being the skills development trainer for the Pro A”, commented KJ Sherrill. Even if he will be in his 4th season of coaching, he doesn´t see his new coaching job as a challenge as it isn´t something totally new. “I’d say it shouldn’t be much of challenge since I’m somewhat experienced with the youth already. I’ve been working youth basketball camps in the States every summer for over 10 years. Training the youth U10-U12 for the Rhöndorf Dragons also gave me confidence as well”, warned KJ Sherrill. The upcoming EPG Baskets Koblenz season will be number 4 in the Pro A and all eyes will be on Stephan Dohrn and what he can produce from the sidelines. KJ Sherrill will be busier than ever and all eyes will also be on him with what he can help achieve on the youth side of the organization.

Joshua Petteno (193-G-1999, college: IUP) is a 27 year old 193cm guard form Italy playing his second season with German Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf. He got early basketball experience playing for the Umana Reyer Venezia U18 team. He also got experience in Italy playing with Gemini Murano (Serie C) and Virtus Murano 1954 (Serie C). He then spent 5 years in the United States and played with Northwest College, WY (JUCO) averaging 14.4ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 75.7% and Santa Fe College (JUCO) averaging 4.2ppg, 1.6rpg. He then played 2 seasons with Young Harris College (NCAA2) averaging 7.9ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 47.7%, 3PT: 46.1%, FT: 69.6% and 11.0ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 83.3%. He then finished at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (NCAA2) averaging 4.2ppg, 3.9rpg. Last season he played with the Dragons Rhoendorf (Germany-ProB) averaging 8.0ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 77.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Josh for talking to germanhoops.com. The Dragons Rhondorf played a test game against Regionalliga team Giessen Pointers. How important is it at times to play a lower ranked team for self-confidence?

I think that overall confidence comes from practicing our plays. It is vital to apply what you practice. I don´t think who the opponent is makes a difference.

What was your impression of Regionalliga team Giessen Pointers?

They were solid and pushed the ball well. They also did a good job taking advantage of the mismatches. They played with a lot of energy and gave a lot of effort. We could learn from them.

Welcome back to the Dragons Rhondorf. What were the main reasons for coming back?

At the end of the day, I had a really good time here. I felt very comfortable in the community. It was natural to come back. I´m looking forward to a new adventure this season.

What have you learned to appreciate most about the German culture?

That´s a good question. I never really thought about it. I would say the bread.

What is it like playing for a coach like Max Becker who is 5 days younger than you? What have you learned to appreciate most about his basketball philosophy?

I think that because we are so close in age, we know how to connect. We are able to relate to many things because of the age.

Guys have come and gone. What is your impression of this years team? Could this be a title team?

I feel that this team has a lot of potential. I think that the young guys will be focused to prove themselves again and make another step forward from last season. Daniel Mayr will be a big factor as well as the others who stayed. I like the new guys who have been integrated well. There is a good balance and a good chemistry is growing. We still need time to really come together, but we are on a good way.

What kind of a style will we see this season. Fast and aggressive defense?

I think that our style will be as aggressive as possible at both ends. We also have guys who can create and we are young which is a strength.

What has been your impression of Mychael Paulo? Is he the 2 way player that will make an impact at both ends of the court?

He is a solid player that has experience. He has a good rhythm and knows how to control the pace. He brings good energy and is also a good shooter.

What has been your impression of new American Sahmi Willoughby. Have you noticed his Dennis Rodman rebounding abilities?

He is physically really strong. He will be really hard to guard at the Pro B level. He can also shoot and drive. He will be an important piece for our team.

What has been your impression of Justin Onyejaika? He took a step back to make 2 steps forward. What part of his game will shine most?

I haven´t seen him yet since he has been injured.

How talented is Dusan Ilic? Could he really break through this season?

I hope so. He has time here to take the next step. He has time to gain confidence while establishing his game.

How refreshing is it having a giant like Daniel Mayr on the court? Is he100%

He has tons of experience and has size and versatility. He also brings a nice inside out game.

Last season you averaged 8.0ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 42.9%, FT: 77.8%.. How content were you with your game?

I came late last season. I was in a tough situation as I wanted to establish myself without stepping on anybody. I helped the team stay in the league and then gain the playoffs.

What are your personal goals with your game this season? What new steps do you want to make?

I have to help as much as possible. I want to help as much as last season and more. My goals are more ambitious than last season.

You are categorized as a 3 and D player, but you are truly more than that. What other part of your game shines?

I think it always depends the situation I´m in if I´m really that 3 and D player in a game. I have the capacity to affect the game in many ways. At the end of the day, it always depends on the situation.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Dusan Ilic?

If we are in the post, I win hands down. But if he is allowed to run, then it will be tough.

Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron James, Kwai Leonard, Michael Jordan, Shaq

Who is your Goat?

Lebron James

Thanks Josh for the chat.

Radii Caisin (198-SG-2001) is a 25 year old 198cm shooting guard playing his second season with the Frankfurt Skyliners. Last season he played 31 games averaging 5.8ppg, 2.8rpg, FGP-2 (71.4%), 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 88.5% He played with BC Raiffeisen Flyers Wels (Austria-BSL) from 2023-2025 averaging 12.7ppg, 5.6rpg, 2.1apg, Steals-5 (1.7spg), FGP: 57.5%, 3PT: 28.4%, FT: 83.3% and 18.8ppg, 7.6rpg, 3.1apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 82.2%. He played parts of 4 seasons in the easyCredit BBL with teams MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg, MBC and Crailsheim. He played 3 seasons in the Rasta Vechta organization. He spoke to germanhoops.com after leading the Frankfurt Skyliners with 24 points to a 104-94 win over Manchester Basket.

Congrats Radii on the 104-94 win over Manchester Basket. What was your summary for 40 minutes how the Skyliners played?

In the first half we played very sloppy. We came out strong in the second half and played together as a team. We defended a lot better and played great transition defense.

The first quarter was a real shoot out as Manchester had the 30-29 advantage. IT seemed like playing real defense took a back seat?

Both teams didn´t play good defense. There was a lot of running and transition. We missed way too many free throws.

Manchester came back in the second quarter taking control of the game and leading 52-46 at the break. How much did the absence of Will Christmas who had left the game hurt Frankfurt´s game?

They played a lot harder and a lot more physical. They wanted it more than us. They were beating us at everything from boxing out to getting back on defense. We were sloppy and didn´t play hard.

In the third quarter the Frankfurt Skyliners stormed back stealing the lead back with a 12-0 run to start and led 68-67 after 30 minutes. What was key for coming back?

We came out very aggressive on defense which led them to having a bad start. We really gave gas and they didn´t expect it. We played great transition defense and didn´t let them get easy baskets. We also understood how to slow down their go to guys better.

In the fourth quarter Frankfurt decided the game in crunch-time as you hit two back to back three´s to help Frankfurt shut the door on Manchester. What was key in crunch-time for sealing the win?

We finally hit more shots. We played together at both ends and got to the free throw line more.

What has been your first impression of American Race Thompson who had a 14/7 game? Is he a type of glue guy?

Race is a mobile big who is that type of player. He has a good hook shot and floater.

Judah Mintz had a solid game of 15 points and 6 assists. What has been your early impression of him?

He plays aggressive and is flink. He also has really good anticipation. He also understands when to find his teammates and when to finish.

How key will Thomas Klepeisz be? Will he be more than just a three point shooter?

Obviously his experience will be very important for us. He is a team player. He will be important with moving the ball on the pick and roll not always needing to finish himself with his shooting.

Isaiah Swope had a solid game of 13 points an d6 assists. What did he improve on this summer?

I think he got better at finding the open man. He also has become a better defender. He knows better where to stand and where to move to.

Ivan Crnjac had a solid 5/2/2 game in 16 minutes. Will it be tough for him to crack the rotation for minutes?

At the end of the day there are 11 pro´s on the team. It is never easy for a young player to balance the BBL and Pro B. Most important is that he needs to stay healthy and then get the opportunity when other guys get injured. He also has to continue to work hard every day.

How vital will Ryan Arcidiacono be? He has a lot of experience. I witnessed him giving Mr moves Isaiah Swope some tips and Swope just nodded his head.

Ryan also has a lot of experience. He knows how to find the open man and will help us on the pick and roll. He played so many years in the NBA. He knows what he´s doing.

You had a break out game with 24 points and hit two big late three´s. How content were you with your game?

I think that in a game like today one sees that my hard work this summer paid off. This is my second year, so I know the system and guys better.

What is your biggest goal in the next weeks with your game before the season starts?

I have to stay healthy is the most important. Then I have to continue to work hard each day and hit my shots. That is the the be-all and end-all

What was your impression of up and coming UK team Manchester Basket? They have 2 big Basketball Champions League qualifying games against Wurzburg soon.

Manchester is a good team. They have good players and paly physical. I think that for only being together a very short time, they played very well against us. They have to work hard each day and get to know each other better. Then anything is possible.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Race Thompson?

Me.

Thanks Radii for the chat.

Lukas Scherer is an ex player who played youth basketball with TSV Nordlingen and also played 2 Pro B games. He decided to get into coaching and is currently the JBBL (U-16) coach of the Frankfurt Skyliners. He also was an assistant coach for the 2025 & 2026 U-16 Euro teams. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the 2026 Euro.

Thanks Lukas for talking to germanhoops.com Congrats to a fifth place at the U-16 Euro. What does this title mean for German basketball? It wasn´t a medal, but a big fifth place finish.

This result was a big success for German basketball. The third time that a U-16 team has reached 5th place. Of course we would have liked to have won a medal, but one has to be realistic that we are still a bit behind other nations in physicality and skill level.

Germany began with a solid 82-60 win against Belgium. In your opinion is it better to start against weaker opponents the first game or better against a strong team?

I believe for guys this age, it is better to start a tournament against weaker teams. We were lucky that we had gotten a favorable draw. We easily could have started France, Slovenia and Belgium. Players are always nervous in the first game. It is better to have an easy opponent so the guys can tank some self-confidence.

Marko Volf had a strong game with 20 points. How did you see his development? He was known more of his scoring abilities, but had some big assist games. Is his playmaking more respected now after this Euro?

I already had coached Marko last summer and his biggest development in the last year was his leadership skills. It was unbelievable how much he pushed the boys even when he wasn´t having a great game. He developed well as a PG and playmaker. He did a good job trusting his teammates and didn´t always have to finish himself. He was a type of middle man between the coach and teammates. He was also vocal.

Germany then lost 93-70 against Slovenia. You stated after the loss that Slovenia was clearly better, fitter and played with more intensity on defense. Was the stiff competition of all the teams a reason why they didn´t win a medal?

It was a big surprise that Slovenia had to move down. That result showed just how good the other countries were. It also showed how unthankful a tournament like the Euro can be for a country. I never thought that they could move down after their U-18 and U-20 won. Their U-16 was defiantly better than their result. Anything can happen in a youth tournament.

Germany than lost to France 87-58. The Athleticism was a big factor. What do you believe did the boys learn from this loss?

That was our fourth game against them this summer. They were simply further than us with their athleticism, body and tempo. They were almost like a club team. 9 of their 12 man roster train year round. We couldn´t match their intensity or defensive pressure. They deserved to be in the final.

Germany then won an exciting 78-75 game against Israel. Germany showed often that they were really mentally strong in crunch-time. How do you explain those abilities at the age of 15-16?

We prepared really hard all summer long for these kind of games and situations. We also understood how vital the Israel game was for us. We knew what the consequences would be if we lost. They were best prepared for that game.

How vital was head coach Dirk Bauermann in the category of mental toughness? How do you feel did he help the boys most in this area?

He has many critics, but one can learn so much from him. He has an incredible mindset and great ability to motivate young players. Even after games, he was able to build up the spirits for the next games. The guys were able to learn a lot from him and he definitely found the right words at the Euro. I´m really glad that I was able to work with him again.

Johan Meinberg had a big game of 14/12. How did you see his development in the summer? What does he need to do now to make the next step?

He had his ups and downs and was our best center and one of the best bigs at the Euro. He was also a player that was able to make a step forward. He had a little foul trouble in some games. He did a lot of the little things not seen on the stat sheet. We worked all summer on his basics. He has a solid shot, but still needs to work on it. He wasn´t able to show his shot as much at the Euro. The next step for him is the NBBL and getting some minutes in the Pro B with Wedel. He is a good guy and so hard working. He wouldn´t go until he made 10 free throws in a row even if it took him 30 minutes. He has a big career ahead of him.

Germany then lost a tough game to Lithuania 82-75. You stated that it was the little things in crunch-time that cost Germany the win. What did the team learn from this game?

This was a game where Meinberg had foul problems. We had an incredible 18-0 run at the end which showed just how much moral the boys had. They never gave up. It is a shame that we weren´t able to pull out the win at the end. It was little things like a turnover, offensive rebound and 5th foul from Meinberg that cost us the win at the end. They were more clever at the end.

Germany then crushed Romania 79-52. Danny Egbe carried Germany to the win. You stated that he had ups and downs this summer. He averaged 12/3r in the Euro? What do you feel could his game take from the last 2?

Danny is our best 1-1 player and everyone knows just how much potential he has. He is a natural scorer. Coach Bauermann was hard on him, but in the end Danny showed that he could make an impact at both ends even on the defensive end were he has deficits. Danny never put his head down, but continued to work harder and was rewarded in the last two games. His teammates found him and he did a good job defending the other team´s best player.

He shot 37% from outside. It seemed like he took more trust in his shot at the Euro?

He definitely gained more confidence with his shot. In the JBBL, no one could stop him, but at the Euro, it was an adjustment for him. He proved that he could take tough shots and make them as well as out of the pick and roll. He showed that he could do it in tough situations.

Germany then defeated Greece for fifth place 85-77. With all the circumstances involved, was this Germany´s best game of the Euro?

I wouldn´t say it was our overall best game, but the way we were able to execute at the end showed that we could play some very good basketball. We made huge steps as a team in the 8 weeks from the first game until the last game. We gave Bauermann a nice farewell with the win.

How did you see the development of high energy guards Oliver Papez (9/2/1) and Justus Reintjes (7/1/1)? How did their game grow further?

Papez gave the team big impulses and Reintjes was our main ball handler and was great on the defensive close downs especially on Sebastian Lapuste. He also played well against Greece and gave good impulses as a driver. We always had different line ups and everyone gave great support.

Elija Pohlack, Linus Ohr and Lino Schenk were very vital role players. If you had to give an unsung hero award to one of them who would get it?

I would have to say Lino Schenk. He has only played organized basketball for 1.5-2 years. He plays for a small JBBL team Bramfeld. He is still very early in his development and gave us good minutes at the 5. It was quite impressive since he is a 4. I will never forget his big dunk off the pick and roll after only two steps. I would of never thought he could do something like that at the start of the summer. He played tough the whole Euro. Linus also played very well as a ball handler and hit big shots.

You worked 4 years together with Dirk Bauermann. What was the most important piece of info that he gave you?

There were so many things that I learned from him that it would be too difficult to name just one. I picked up just how much energy he brings every day. His drive it so big and always the same no matter if it is a test game or a Euro quarter game. He wants to win every game and had the same drive for 6 weeks at almost 70 years of age. We slept in hostels. His mentally and speeches were amazing. His drive keeps going no matter if a win or loss. I´m really grateful in the trust that he gave me.

Jaroslaw Zinn played 70 minutes in 7 games and had his moments. How vital was this experience for his self-confidence?

I was so happy that he got an opportunity to play. He gets overlooked a lot because of his size. He isn´t listed as a big talent, but is an extreme fighter. He drives 1,5 hours every day from the Giessen area to practice with us. It wasn´t easy for him this summer as he came 5 days before the start and as the 13th man. He began game 1 and then didn´t play so much in games 2-3. I spoke a lot with him explaining it had to do with the match ups. He was so key in the Israel game scoring 5 points in the second half. He also did a good job pushing Linus Ohr. Jaroslaw´s self-confidence really grew this summer.

What will his season look like in 2027-2028? Another season of JBBL and some NBBL minutes?

He is too old for the JBBL: He will play NBBL and fight for a spot. I´m confidence he will make it and also play Regionalliga.

What can we await from the Skyliners Juniors JBBL team this season? What are the goals?

The 2011 year is starting this season. It is definitely an interesting year. We have a lot of guards. We had 3 guys play at the U-15 camp. We also have some bigs. We have a lot of talent. Our biggest goal is to make every player better each day. Our goal will be to reach the Top 4 even if the development of the guys being the biggest priority. I hope we have some Frankfurt players at the 2027 Euro.

What is your coaches Mount Rushmore?

Gregg Popovich, Dirk Bauermann, Gordon Herbert, Klaus Perwas

Thanks Lukas for the chat.

Sahmi Willoughby with Jon Vanderwal

During the dog days of summer when basketball is idle during the phases when there aren´t national team tournaments in the pro and youth sectors, basketball junkies have to pass the time somehow in order not to go totally crazy. It is at this time when clubs are building their rosters for the next season. Of course this time allows for the basketball folk to speculate about how a team might fair with the new players that have arrived. The club press releases are usually so crazily sugar coated about how great that new player is. You can watch as many video´s as possible about that player, but the big question is always, will that player pan out and become that needed reliable piece to a winning formula? It is also always interesting to see how a player will do when he plays for the first time in a new country. That is exactly what German Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf will experience when American Sahmi Willoughby (192-F/G-2001, college: Marietta) straps on the jersey for the first time on September 26th when they face the Basketball Lowen from Erfurt in the season opener. The player had a solid rookie season in Finland where he dominated the Finland-1st Division with Team Pajulahti averaging 22.4ppg, 14.0rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 72.7% which is their second league and demonstrated in their first division Korisliiga averaging 8.7ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 59.4%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 80.0% that he could hold his own. Before that he had a decorated career at Marietta (NCAA3) where he won 2 OAC titles and reached a NCAA 3 final 4. What better way to find out the real scoop about Sahmi Willoughby than asking his former head coach Jon Vanderwal who saw at close hand just what kind of player Willoughby became and what kind of person he grew into in his 5 years at Marietta in Ohio. I was thrilled to get contact with coach Vanerwal and his last 2 sentences in the email should make every Dragons Rhondorf fan excited about the coming season and Sahmi Willoughby. “I absolutely love Sahmi Willoughby. He is one of my all time favorites”, stressed Jon Vanderwal. Plus getting a one sentence description like this is what every player dreams of. “Sahmi Willoughby is a great person who has a relentless work ethic and his energy on the basketball court is unmatched”, warned Jon Vanderwal which is how he would describe Sahmi Willoughby in one sentence.

Sahmi Willoughby of Reynoldsburg Ohio played 5 years for Jon Vanderwal from 2019 until 2024 while his coach worked at Marietta from 2010-2025 and had his most prosperous time there with Willoughby. All in all, Vanderwal won 5 OAC regular season titles, won 3 OAC titles (2 with Willoughby), reached 1 NCAA 3 final 4 with him and was voted coach of the year in the OVC three times. Willoughby celebrated a nice development at Marietta and really broke out in his third season and over his last 3 seasons averaged 9/9 stats and as a senior got that double double status in a season averaging 12.6ppg, 10.0rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 52.4%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 64.9%. When looking at his stats, it is not weird to believe that his biggest strengths on the court are rebounding and versatility. “His biggest strength is his offensive rebounding ability. He’s worked hard to develop his all around game and has become a good shooter. When you combine this with his rebounding ability, it makes him a lethal player”, stated Jon Vanderwal. Willoughby made massive strides in his rebounding from his senior year at Marietta with 10 to 14 as a rookie in Finland. Going to Marietta was so vital in the rebounding development of him. “We always believed rebounding was the most important statistic and we preached it all the time. Sahmi wanted to find a way into the line up and he took this seriously. He committed himself to the weight room and out competed everyone in practice everyday. He just has a knack for rebounding but he also brings the energy on every possession”, explained Jon Vanderwal. Not only on the offensive end will he shine, but he surely will also be capable of making a impact on the defensive end. “Sahmi is a very good defender who has great length and plays bigger than his frame. He can definitely guard 2-5 positions and provides the defensive a lot of scheme options”, added Jon Vanderwal.

Sahmi Willoughby played 5 years in the NCAA 3 and being able to come overseas and be able to ball for a living is an absolute luxury. Not many guys who play NCAA 3 ball have the opportunity to come overseas. He has had to pay his dues since day 1 and still is as a Pro B player. It is absolutely no surprise that he still has a chip on his shoulder. “Sahmi has always played like he has something to prove. He is the modern day Dennis Rodman who takes pride in out competing his opponents. He was under recruited out of high school who wasn’t extremely skilled. I think he realized that we would need to outwork everybody to achieve his goals”, warned Jon Vanderwal. He had so many incredible games at Marietta like against schools Baldwin and Ohio Northern, but does his former coach have a favorite memory of him at Marietta? “His last home game of his senior year, I challenged him to break the school rebounding record of 23. Sahmi went out and grabbed 24 rebounds. The crowd started to realize he was getting every rebound and started cheering extremely hard every rebound he got. I’m never seen somebody get so much love and excitement from the crowd for grabbing rebounds”, said Jon Vanderwal. Jon Vanderwal has given us an early introduction to what Sahmi Willoughby who got early pro experience before coming overseas with Great Falls Electric (TBL,) averaging 9.8ppg, 9.0rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 60.0% can do at both ends of the court, but how does the 25 year old rebound ace present himself off the court? The Dragons Rhondorf organization is a very tight community where family and kids play an important role ´so he should fit in just perfect. “Sahmi is a kind hearted great person. Everybody who has ever met Sahmi, likes him. He is a high character person who is the ultimate teammate. He’s extremely coachable and just wants to do the right thing”, expressed Jon Vanderwal. Seeing him play like Dennis Rodman must have been a real treat game after game, but what about off the court? How did he impress his coach most? “Sahmi consistently returns to Marietta and visits with families who he was close with in. He’s just such a kind hearted, nice young man”, explained Jon Vanderwal. Did he have a special nickname at Marietta? “The Willoughbeest (Wildebeest)– he’s an absolute animal on the court”, warned Jon Vanderwal. One thing certainly won´t change. He had a unique nickname at Marietta and I will do my best to keep it alive during my play by play during home games.