nba

Drew Buggs(medi Bayreuth) Is That Special Player That Values Winning Over Stats And Don´t Let His Fine Playmaking Fool You As He Can Score At Ease

Drew Buggs (190-G-1997, college: Winthrop) is a 27 year old 190cm guard from long Beach, California that is playing his third professional season and first with medi Bayreuth currently averaging 8,9ppg, 2,6rpg, 4,8apg and 1,3spg. Last season he played with at Clube Atletico Queluz (Portugal-Proliga) averaging 18.9ppg, 6.1rpg, Assists-1 (10.0apg), 1.8spg, FGP: 48.3%, 3PT: 30.1%, FT: 63.4%. He also played his rookie season with Clube Atletico Queluz (Portugal-Proliga) averaging 15.4ppg, 5.9rpg, Assists-1 (8.2apg), Steals-5 (2.3spg), FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 56.3%. He began his basketball career at Long Beach Polytechnic High School. He then played at 3 NCAA schools starting with the University of Hawaii (NCAA) averaging 8.1ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.6apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 65.4%, in his second year averaged 8.8ppg, 4.3rpg, 5.4apg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 73.5% an din his third year averaged 9.4ppg, 4.5rpg, 5.3apg, FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 26.2%, FT: 72.0%; He was Hawaii’s all-time career assists leader. He then played a season at the University of Missouri (NCAA) averaging 1.8ppg, 1.2rpg, 1.9apg and finished at Winthrop University (NCAA) averaging 6.2ppg, 2.9rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 60.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before the start of the 23-24 season.

Thanks Drew for talking to germanhoops.com. After 2 stellar seasons in Portugal, you will play your third pro season in Germany for BBC Bayreuth. What is the biggest thing that you’re looking forward to?

I’m looking forward to a lot of things but perhaps the biggest thing I’m looking forward to is just playing in a new league and country. I’m really excited to experience the environments and the brand of basketball they play in Germany.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball? Have you had any friends, ex opponents or teammates play in Germany?

I’ve heard really good things about Germany and basketball there and I’m looking forward to experiencing it for myself. I’ve known quite a few people who have played in Germany, My college teammate Mark Smith, played in the BBL and then I also played against TJ Shorts in college and over the years we’ve become friends. I also got to know and talk about basketball with Trey Dreschell this year while in Portugal. All of them have had really positive things to say about basketball in Germany.

What were the main reasons for joining BBC Bayreuth? What was the deciding reason that made you pick this organization?

Bayreuth just checked a lot of boxes with what I was looking for in a club. Also the things I heard about BBC Bayreuth from other people as well as the history of the club and their desire to establish themselves as a top club and play in BBL again was something that I really wanted to be a part of.

How did the talks go with head coach Florian Wedel? He likes your leadership qualities and pick and roll game. What did you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy?

My talks with Coach Flo went really well. I felt as if we established a good connection as we got to know each other better. I really enjoyed his vision for how he wanted our team to play and the role he wanted me to have within his system. I think we will be a very exciting team to watch this season.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 190cm point guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I think I would have to compare my game to 2 NBA players and those two would be Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson. I like to watch and try to model my game after both of these players. I don’t have the size that Luka possesses but I really like how he controls the game and plays at his own pace. I think he is one of the best in the world at that. Brunson, I like because as a smaller guard he is very crafty and fundamentally sound and because I’m not the most athletic finisher above the rim, I really try to learn from Brunson when it comes to scoring/finishing in the paint.

You never averaged in double figures in scoring until the last 2 seasons in Portugal. What changed? Did you always know you could be more of a scorer?

I always knew I could score the ball, naturally I´m just a very unselfish player and I value winning over statistics. In college I was fortunate enough to play with a lot of good players/scorers so I wasn’t necessarily looked upon to score. My coaches always wanted me to get guys shots and run the team so that’s what I focused on.

In the NCAA you never averaged more than 5,3apg in a season, but then in Portugal bang you averaged 8 and 10 assists per game in a season. How did your playmaking grow in Portugal?

I think it was more from the style of play in Portugal. My club we played a much faster style of play. Similar to how I played at Winthrop University, however there I didn’t have the ball in my hand as much. But regardless of style of play I always watch a ton of game film and I believe that also helps me improve my playmaking.

You’re also a very ambitious defender. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I take pride in playing good defense and not being someone other teams look to exploit. Before college I was known as one of the best defenders in the state of California, a couple major injuries kept me from meeting my true potential as a defender but I still take pride in being able to guard my man as well as be a good help side defender.

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

I’m just continuing to work on my shooting everyday, as well as keeping my ball handling sharp. and then this year I’ve really made an emphasis on strength training and taking care of my body.

Last season you helped Queluz move from the second division to first and won the proliga title. What was so special about this team?

We had a young team full of hungry guys who wanted to win and prove themselves to the league. I think our youth really allowed us to really push the pace and control the tempo of the game. Also our coaching staff did a great job allowing us to play to our strengths individually and putting us in a position to do so.

You had 2 triple doubles in Portugal against Vasco and Maia. Did you have a favorite one?

Definitely the one against Vasco because it was my first career triple double and we won the game.

In your rookie season with Clube Atletico Queluz (Portugal-Proliga) you averaged 15.4ppg, 5.9rpg, Assists-1 (8.2apg), Steals-5 (2.3spg), FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 56.3%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I had been used to living away from home because all my universities were far away. But I guess it hit me that I was playing professionally overseas when we got our first win at home and just seeing how much it meant to the fans and how much they loved and embraced the team. And just learning about the culture and traditions in Portugal.

You played at 3 NCAA schools with the University of Hawaii, Missouri and Winthrop. How are you a more diverse player today having played at 3 schools instead of only 1 school?

Playing at 3 different schools allowed me to learn from different coaches, study different philosophies and play against a bunch of different styles and players. All of these experiences definitely helped me diversify my game and continue to learn and get better.

You played at the University of Hawaii (NCAA) from 2017-2020. You made strides in your game every season. How do you feel your game grew in those 3 years?

Before the University of Hawaii I had never played the Point Guard position before so over my 3 years playing I felt myself get more comfortable with the position and how to run a team. Each year I was asked to take on a bigger leadership role and it allowed me to be confident in my abilities as a leader no matter which team I have played for since.

How did head coach Eran Ganot groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He allowed me to play point guard.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Eddie Stansberry?

I don’t think we ever played 1-1 just me and him but at Hawaii whenever we did 1-1 amongst all the guards I was usually the winner. Eddie is a very good player though and if he gets hot he’s hard to stop.

You then played a season at Missouri (NCAA) where your minutes got reduced by 20 minutes. How tough was this season and what positives could you take from that season?

It was tough because I felt like I could help the team more but it just taught me to be patient and keep working. I also just continued to work on my leadership and focused on being the veteran vocal leader the team needed. I still really enjoyed my time there and got to compete with and against a lot of good players as well as accomplish my lifelong dream of playing in March Madness.

What was it like battling future NBA player Dru Smith on a daily basis. What do you believe could you soak up most from his game?

I loved playing with and against Dru Smith. He’s a hard worker and a really good defender. I would try to pick up things from him especially defensively and a lot of times he would ask me for advice on being a point guard as well and reading defenses. We just liked to pick each other’s brains because we both viewed the game in a similar way. But he was a really smart and talented player and I wish we had more seasons together.

You played one more NCAA season at Winthrop University (NCAA) averaging 6.2ppg, 2.9rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 60.5%. How refreshing was it getting good minutes again. What could your game take from the Winthrop experience?

It felt good to be counted on as a starter again and play an important role. We had a really successful season at Winthrop and I played with some really good players like DJ Burns. Winthrop was the school where we played with the fastest pace on offense and it allowed me to work on different parts of my game and where I shot my career best from 3pt % so far.

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

I have played against a lot of players that have reached the NBA but the toughest I played while I was in the NCAA would have to be either Cam Thomas (Brooklyn Nets) or Austin Reaves (Los Angeles Lakers). I played both when I was at the University of Missouri. Cam was in my conference at LSU and Austin was at Oklahoma. I played Austin Reaves in the first round of March Madness and he was a really good all around player who has gone on to have a very successful career so far. Cam was tough because was a pure scorer and it didn’t matter what you did on defense he found a way to score the ball and it was impressive because he was a freshman.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Jordan Bell, DJ Burns, Dru Smith, Jeremiah Tilmon, Mark Smith,

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

Kobe, Lebron, Shaq, Steph, Jordan

Who is your GOAT?

Kobe Bryant. Growing up in Long Beach, right down the street from Los Angeles, I grew up a die hard Lakers fan and Kobe is the reason I fell in love with basketball

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

Yeah they definitely should’ve left it alone, not all movies need sequels.

Thanks Drew for the chat.

Kevin McClain Leads The Giessen 46ers To Blow Out Win Over The Nurnberg Falcons BC 93-62

The Giessen 46ers continue to play solid basketball as they came into 2025 riding a 2 game winning streak and had won 5 of the last 7 games. Coming into the new year and getting that first win is always vital and they didn´t catch a better opponent than the Nurnberg Falcons BC as they were 1 place above the cellar spot riding a disappointer 3-12 record. They continue to be up and down as they began the season falling off the wrong side of the bed losing 8 games in a row and then finally found a groove winning 3 of 4 games and now had slipped again riding a 3 game losing streak. On a cold Friday night, fans saw Giessen have control of the first half, but in the second half shifted up a few gears as they won the last 20 minutes 42-22 and thus won easily 93-62. After the contest ex Frankfurt Skyliner Kevin McClain (190-G-1996, college: Belmont) was extremely happy with one aspect of the team´s victory. We executed really well attacking the basket. We attacked from the jump setting the tone well. We made some defensive mistakes at the beginning, but in the second half defended a lot better”, stressed Giessen 46er Kevin McClain. It is no secret that the German Pro A belongs to the top second division leagues in Europe and as a team one has to come to play for 40 minutes as Nurnberg fell apart in the second half. “This was a tough loss for us. We are in a very difficult situation at the moment. We didn´t think that we would play this bad. We played too much 1-1 and didn´t move the ball well. They switched a lot and we didn´t use the mis matches with the bigs. They took apart our zone and we couldn´t hit three´s”, stressed Nurnberg Falcons BC guard Tim Koepple.

Jonathan Maier at the FT line

The Giessen 46ers didn´t waste anytime jumping over Nurnberg as they got a quick 7-2 advantage. They got their bigs involved right away as ex Nurnberg center Jonathan Maier scored as did Serbian forward Viktor Kovacevic. Nurnberg also fed it´s bigs as ex Koblenz center Leo Saffer scored and ex Giessen 46er guard Tim Koepple made a lay in and suddenly the guest were in striking range again trailing 10-7. Giessen showed that they can be explosive at anytime as they raced out on a 9-2 run to lead 19-9. In the run, Mcclain added 5 points and ex Xavier (NCAA) guard Kyle Castlin made a lay in and Kovacevic a fade away jumper. Giessn´s offense was rolling with good ball movement and good decisions while Nurnberg didn´t have good ball movement or spacing. American center Damian Forest who balled at North Alabama (NCAA) was aggressive making a basket and getting to the free throw line as Nurnberg was chipping away at Giessen´s lead and trailed only 24-17 after 10 minutes. “I was attacking from the start. I was just taking what the defense gave me. Whenever we saw mismatches, we took advantage of it”, stated Kevin McClain. Giessen was shooting 67& from the field and 25% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 0 turnovers while the Nurnberg Falcons BC shot 35% from the field and 0% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 2 turnovers.

Evcan Taylor with off balance shot

In the second quarter the Nurnberg Falcons BC stepped up their offense a bit, but continued not being able to get stops and trailed by 10 points at the break. Giessen made a statement again starting off with a bang going on a 6-0 run to lead 30-17. In the run, Giessen got a trey from German basketball legend Robin Benzing while Serbian center Mladen Vujic made a lay in. Giessen continued to dominate the paint area with their length and physicality. But Nurnberg didn´t lay down as Tim Koepple came away dropping consecutive three´s as suddenly Nurnberg trailed only 30-23. The 24 year old German would really step up in the second quarter scoring 13 points. “I was very motivated to play my ex team. It wasn´t about the players since most are gone, but this place just means a lot to me. I´m always happy to play here. It feels like home”, warned Tim Koepple. But whenever Nurnberg punched, Giessen punched back with a 5-0 run to lead 35-23. In the run, ex Bremerhaven guard Simon Krajcovic hit a three pointer and Vujic spun his way for 2 points in the zone. Nurnberg then had their best spurt in the game going on a 12-2 run and suddenly were at eye level again trailing 37-35. In the run, Koepple added 5 points including another trey and back door lay in while ex Nebraska (NCAA) guard Evan Taylor made a 20 footer and transition bucket an d ex Iowa State (NCAA) guard Gabe Kalschuer made an off balance shot. Nurnberg was defending more aggressively while on offense executed quicker in the set play and didn´t hold the ball as long. However Giessen struck back right away ending the second quarter with a 11-6 run to lead 51-41. In the run, Giessen got good production from Benzing again with a trey while bigs Vujic (4 points), Maier and Kovacevic all scored dominating the paint area. “I had no idea that Koepple played for Giessen once. He is a great athlete that plays hard. We had some defensive break downs, but we fought back”, commented Kevin McClain. The Giessen 46ers shot 68% from the field and 50% from the three point line and had 14 rebounds and 2 turnovers while Nurnberg shot 48% from the field and 25% from the three point line and had 15 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

Robin Benzing from downtown

In the third quarter, the Giessen 46ers had their worst scoring quarter in the game with 21 points, but also their best defensive quarter of the game allowing only 11 points and upping their lead to 72-52 after 3 quarters. Nurnberg began hot getting a Kalschuer off balance shot and trey from German Julius Wolf to trail 54-46. However Giessen always had an answer especially from their bigs as Maier made a tip in and Kovacevic a lay in. Whenever Giessen needed a bucket, all they had to do was throw the ball down low and something good happened. After a Wolf turn around shot, more offense came from Giessen as they put so much pressure on Nurnberg with their shifty guards and physical bigs as Mcclain scored on the drive and with a runner while Maier and Kovacevic did damage again inside scoring easily to lead 66-50. Nurnberg had no answer for Giessen defensively as they couldn´t handle the mismatches and on offense were too up and down with team play and 1-1 play. After a dunk from Damian Forrest, Giessen closed out the quarter with their guard terror of Mcclain and Castlin who dropped back to back three´s for the 20 points advantage. “We can make shots in quick spurts. That is always a threat for us”, commented Kevin McClain. “Our offense was too static. We had too much 1-1 play on offense and got punished by them on defense. They have so much experience”, said Tim Koepple. The Giessen 46ers shot 58% from the field and 47% from the parking lot and had 23 rebounds and 3 turnovers while Nurnberg shot 47% from the field and 27% from the parking lot and had 23 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Leo Saffer at the FT line

In the fourth quarter the Giessen 46ers continued to play their game and never let up. Their defense was a fort as once again they allowed only 11 points to close out the game with a 31 point win. Koepple and Mcclain traded three pointers to start the fourth quarter and Giessen still led 75-55. Benzing then scored 4 points as Giessen led 79-56. Nurnberg punched back with a mini 4-0 run as Forrest made a lay in and Evan Taylor a runner to trail 79-60. The game was already decided here as there was 6,13 to play. Did the Giessen 46ers drop a gear or 2 in the last 6 minutes? No they didn´t. They almost held Nurnberg scoreless, but German Christian Feneberg scored a transition basket with 6 seconds to remain. In that time between Taylor´s basket and Feneberg´s, Giessen made 11 stops in a row and went on a 14-0 run. In the run, Giessen received valuable support from ex Iserlohn guard Viktor Ziring who contributed 5 points while ex Braunschweig forward Luis Figge hit a trey and Vujic scored 4 points. “We had no let ups. In this league anyone can letup. But we locked in well. That was a good push forward for us”, stated Kevin McClain. “Giessen stepped up their game and we couldn´t hold up against it. We didn´t play well at all in the last 5minutes. We could of worked harder to leave on a high, but we didn´t”, expressed Tim Koepple. The Giessen 46ers had 6 guys score in double figures and was led by Kevin McClain with 15 points. Robin Benzing, Mladen Vujic and Simon Krajcovic added 13 points a piece while the Nurnberg Falcons BC were led by Tim Koepple with 18 points and Damian Forrest added 13 points. The Giessen 46ers shot 57% from the field and 44% from outside and had 37 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Nurnberg Falcons BC shot 40% from the field and 23Y% from outside and had 31 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

I´m Blessed To Have Witnessed The Masterpieces Of Crnjac And Coplin Achieving Back To Back Historical Skyliner Moments Within 24 Hours

Pic credit:Dmitrij Zibart

When I left Sunday afternoon at 1.40 in the afternoon to Frankfurt to call a NBBL (U-19) game between Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners and The NIners Chemnitz academy, I had absolutely no idea that I would witness 2 incredible historical moments in Skyliners history within 24 hours. I mean if you look back in history of the Frankfurt Skyliners dating back to the 1999 season where it all began, there had been some amazing feats no matter if from the BBL, Pro B or youth teams. When looking back at buzzer beaters, there were quite a few in the history. Without digging deep into the Skyliners archives, there were came to mind right away. The first one that comes to mind was Eric Chadfield in 2006 who also did it against ratiopharm Ulm on the same side of the court as Booker Coplin (191-G-1997, college: Augsburg, agency: BIG) did, but not from the corner area, but from the parking lot going to the vicinity towards center court. Kevin Bright had a great one in Vechta in 2014nwhere the incredible ball movement and extra pass from Danilo Barthel sparkled. Quantez Robterson drilled home an incredible one at home against the EWE Baskets Oldenburg and Rickey Paulding a some years ago last season Pro B player Trevian Bell launced a last second jumper from the corner after retrieving a perfect touch down pass from teammate Nils Leonhardt which Tom Brady couldn’t have done better. Who could forget the AJ English buzzer beater in Tuebingen or Aiden Warnholtz’s game winner over the EPG Guardians last season at home that gave him that extra fancy birthday gift. There also have been incredible games and single game player performances over the years like the 10 three’s from Jacob Burtschi in 2015, the masterful series against FC Bayern Munich in 2018 that had an annoying ending for the Skyliners, but showcased their great fighting skills, or the triple double by ex NBA player Isaac Bonga in a Pro B game against Nordlingen in 2017 or the many incredible Dashaun Wood games in his one season in Frankfurt in 2010-2011. I’m sure I forgot some, but these were just some off the top of my head. But the combination of not only buzzer beater, but spectacular buzzer beater from Booker Coplin that could of easily been a Luca Doncic production and the perfect game from Ivan Crnjac back to back were 2 feats that had never happened before in Skyliners history.

This season I’m always especially looking forward to observing and calling Skyliner NBBL youth games. After a few years of not performing so well, this season they have an excellent team led by the trio of Crnjac, Edoka and Omog and 2 incredible players with Max Peters and Julius Messer and a bench where everyone gives 180%. At the moment they are 7-0 and striving for an undefeated season. This could be that season. They are that good. Over the years, I had seen some really good players for the Frankfurt team like Isaac Bonga, Cosmo Gruehn and tin Schubert just to name a few and in the last few seasons a guy by the name of Ivan Crnjac has made waves with his play and rapid development. He reached the JBBL final 4 in 2023 and last season made the jump to a top NBBL performer averaging 17,0ppg and this season once again has made another step in the Pro B becoming an important contributor averaging 11,9ppg and in the NBBL a top player in the league averaging 21,8ppg. That he could achieve something special was no surprise to anyone. He began on fire in the first quarter making 7 of 7 shots while the team scored a mouth watering 41 points. In the second quarter, he made his next 3 shots and was 10/10 at the break. In the third quarter, he hit 2 more three’s and on the last one let out a massive cry as if he was the new lion in Basketball City Mainhatten. I had the fortune of being able to call the game and of course had a field day as my emotions and tone got greater and greater with every hit shot. It was simply pure enjoyment being able to witness this exhibition of incredible shooting. In the fourth quarter he played 4 plus minutes, but didn’t take another shot. I personally didn’t want him to take a shot, because I wanted him to keep that perfect game for his collection of achievements. I mean to be able to go 12/12 is very difficult. I mean if he had been 6/6 0r 7/7, he could of kept shooting, but how disappointing would a shooting stat line of 12/13 looked? ‘I did think about it. I had the perfect game in my head. In between, I did look at the stats. I wanted to keep my perfect record. If I would have had easy ones, I would of shot it, but not any difficult ones’, stressed Ivan Crnjac. He had some open shots, but also some real contested shots. He nailed 6 three’s and made pretty mid distance shots , including a running hook shot and 2 magnificent back door lay in’s. One of those 2 back door lay in’s was a terrific reverse lay up after 2 extra passes. ‘That was a cool play. We actually wanted to run it earlier, but they got a steal. We ran it later and I saw the defender up high, so I went back door. It was a great pass by Max Peters. I also loved my 6th three pointer. That one felt the best. It didn’t feel real’, remembered Ivan Crnjac. Every now and then, you will see perfect games as recently Otis Livingston had one in the easyCredit BBL, but they aren’t often. The whole feat is even more incredible in that his index finger had been taped and he had to shoot differently using more pressure off his 3 fingers. ‘This perfect game means a lot to me. The NBBL is my main team. I’m one of the main guys and am captain. I still want to prove that I belong to the best in my age group. For me this game was a statement to the NBBL that I can play’, stressed Ivan Crnjac. Thanks Ivan for this unforgettable shooting clinic.

A day later, I was excited to go to the easyCredit BBL game between the Frankfurt Skyliners and ratiopharm Ulm. My main focus was to get a photo signed that I had taken with ex NBA player Isaiah Roby during Covid in 2021 when he was playing a game in Boston with the Oklahoma Thunder as well as get autographs and pics of 2025 NBA draft prospects Ben Saraf and Noa Essengue. My goal was achieved after the game, but that I would see such a climatic end to the game wasn’t something that I expected. On paper, Ulm was the favorite, but how can you go wrong when you have the ultimate leader with Jordan Theodore. He had only been with the team a few weeks and in the first games wasn’t totally in game shape, but between the Braunschweig and Ulm game had been 10 days, and in this time the ex Seton Hall player had made amends and was 100% ready on this night and so were his teammates. Frankfurt had come to play while ratiopharm Ulm didn’t have their usual intensity. It was a typical hard fought game that you can witness on any night in the BBL. Both teams were punching back and forth and no team was able to go on a massive run and manage a big lead. In the third quarter Jordan Theodore steered 13 points and without his great input, ratiopharm Ulm may had been able to run away with the game. Ulm relied a lot on their bigs and getting offensive rebounds and easy baskets throughout the game. In the fourth quarter, the game remained tight, but in crunch-time were able to lead by 4 points. The way Jordan Theodore had played in the game, one may have thought that he could be a hero again the same way he had been in the 2015-2016 season for Frankfurt. But instead the stage was set for Booker Coplin. Ratiopharm was up by 4 points with 1,39 to play and had to put the game away, but no. Enter Booker Coplin who would come to the rescue. After a Saraf miss, Einaras Tubutis nailed 2 free throws as Frankfurt trailed 85-83 with 1,02 to play. David Muenkat then made a clutch steal with 51 seconds to play that led to Muenkat free throws to dead lock the game at 85-85 with 48 seconds to play. American Justinian Jessup then missed a mid distance shot with 33 seconds to play. Malik Parsons then missed a shot with 8 seconds, but Alfonso Plummer lost the ball and it went to Jordan Theodore who quickly kicked the ball to Coplin on the left wing. His trey bounced out, but Tubutis rose higher than everyone else and batted the ball back to Coplin. Coplin must have had a notion that he had no time left to control the ball, so he just tapped the ball on contact to the basket and it went in. Luka Doncic couldn’t of done it better. ”That was a hell of a rebound by Tubutis. That was big balls. He had the awareness to kick it back to Coplin. I never saw a shot like that before. I knew it was going in’, smiled Jordan Theodore. After that it was pure pandemonium in the arena. Booker Coplin is one of few that has gone from the Pro B via Duesseldorf to the easyCredit with Frankfurt. He always plays with so much energy and is a great offensive player that can score, but also fill the stat sheet at ease and on the defensive end make an impact. It was his sixth game of the season where he scored in double figures. The Frankfurt Skyliners have had many incredible finishes in their history, but this could easily be the greatest buzzer beater. Thanks Booker Coplin for this lasting memory. I won’t forget it.

The Miles vs Malik Riddle Weekly Basketball Chat Volume 8

Malik Riddle (193-G-1999, college: HSU) is a 24 year old 193cm guard from Tennessee playing his second professional season and first in Germany with Pro B team RheinStars Cologne. Last season he played with Gzira Athleta Birkirkara (Malta-BOV League D1) averaging 28.8ppg, 9.4rpg, 3.9apg, Steals-3 (2.6spg), FGP: 57.8%, 3PT: 33.1%, FT: 75.5%. He began his basketball career at Rossville Christian Academy. He then played 2 seasons at Morehead State University (NCAA) and then played 3 seasons at Henderson State University (NCAA2). He teams up with germanhoops.com every week to talk basketball.

Congrats on the big 90-86 win over TSV Oberaching. How good does it feel going into the break with a win?

It always feels great going to win and before the break is even better.

In the first quarter Cologne was able to establish a 2 point lead, but really broke open the game in the second quarter outscoring them 26-11. What was key for the big lead?

I think in the second quarter we were a lot better at getting stops and running the floor on offense

Oberaching never gave up kept fight and trailed only 68-58. Omari Knox and Peter Zeis hit many three´s. How pesky of a team was Oberaching? They are another team with super chemistry.

They had more older and experienced guys in there team so we figured that they wouldn’t just go away and it was be a fight until the end. They have great chemistry.

In the fourth quarter Oberaching kept chipping away at your lead. But they never got over the hump. Whenever they punched you punched back. What was key in crunch-time for getting the win?

Trying to get good shots and not rush too much. We tried staying in control of the game.

The RheinStars had 5 guys score in double figures. How vital was Luca Michels with his 16 points?

Luca was big time he brought a lot of energy for that game. I feel it helped us so much and gave us as a team a boost.

You led the RheinStars with 22 points. How quickly did you know that you could have a good shooting day?

After the first 3 shots went in felt like I would have a good shooting day. Every shot felt good.

What is your summary of your play in the first half?

Just felt like I was in a good rhythm that’s first half. And had great looks to get my shot off.

The RheinStars are 10-2 together with Leitershoifen. Will these 2 teams compete for North title or do you see another team compete with you?

As of now it looks that way but still have another half of the season so we will see.

Thanks Malik for the chat.

Lamont West(Artland Dragons) Is Still Seeking His Break Out Season As He Hasn´t Played His Best Brand Of Basketball Yet

Lamont West (203-F-2002, college: Missouri St.) is a 27 year old 203cm forward from Ohio playing his third pro season and first in Germany with the Artland Dragons (Pro A). Last season he split time with Helios Suns Domzale (Slovenia-Liga Nova KBM averaging 10.8ppg, 5.1rpg, 2FGP: 60.5%, 3FGP: 43.3%, FT: 80.0%: and in the Adriatic League 2 averaged 7.6ppg, 2.6rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 90.0%, and in Dec.’23 signed at SPD Radnicki Kragujevac (Serbia-KLS) averaged 10.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.3spg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 23.7%, FT: 87.7%. He played his rookie season with the Spars Realway Sarajevo (Bosnia-Division I) averaging 12.5ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.3spg. He also split time in the G-League with Santa Cruz and College Park. He began his basketball career at Withrow high school and also played at Miller Grove high school. He played at West Virginia University (NCAA) from 2015-2019 playing a total of 110 games. He then finished at Missouri State University (NCAA) averaging 9.6ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 57.5%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 91.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Lamont for talking to germanhoops.com. your playing your third pro season and fourth country after Bosnia, Slovenia and Serbia. Do you feel like a basketball globetrotter?

lol not yet. I haven’t been to a crazy number of countries but the ones I have been to have been alright.

You had a very solid NCAA career, but have had to pay your dues overseas. How big is the chip on your shoulder?

I feel like I am a very good player with some great college experience. I’m grinding to play basketball at the highest level and that’s all it is. You have your ups and you have yours downs.

Is the Pro A the strongest league that you have played so far in your pro career?

I would say the G league is the best I have played in and this is second.

Last season you split time with Helios Suns Domzale (Slovenia-Liga Nova KBM) averaging 10.8ppg, 5.1rpg, 2FGP: 60.5%, 3FGP: 43.3%, FT: 80.0%: Adriatic League 2 averaged 7.6ppg, 2.6rpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 90.0%, in Dec.’23 signed at SPD Radnicki Kragujevac (Serbia-KLS) averaging 10.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.3spg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 23.7%, FT: 87.7%. Is it fair to say that this was your break out season?

I have not had my breakout season yet I have not played my best brand of basketball.

You reached the Slovenian Super Cup. You were close to your first chip. What kind of a feeling was it playing in a pro final?

That game was a very good game it was exciting. We played Olympia the game was very close.

How valuable was it battling a guy like 37 year old Uros Nikiolic on a daily basis. Did some more toughness rub off on you?

Uros was probably top 5 strongest players I ever played with. I got my toughness from growing up how, but for sure he was a tough player.

What was Slovenia like? The country is so small. How basketball crazy is that country and did you hear the name Doncic often?

Slovenia was cool. I saw different parts of it and I used to go to the place called Ljubljana which I think is the capital. Doncic name was always brought up he’s one if not the biggest name there.

You played your rookie season with at Spars Realway Sarajevo (Bosnia-Division 1) averaging 12.5ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.3spg. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home?

Being is Bosnia honestly was one of my worst years being overseas. Away from my family other personal reasons and just this being my first time not knowing what to expect.

You also played in the G-League as a rookie with College Park and Santa Cruz. How competitive is it battling guys for minutes?

The G league is very competitive and is ran like a business just like any other professional organizations. The players who still want a chance to make it to the NBA play there and everyday is a grind but it was fun.

You were teammates with Jalen Johnson. What memories do you have of him. He has made a big rise in the NBA the last 2 years. Did you see that coming from when you saw him play?

Jalen Johnson was a good player. Every game he played in the g league when I was there he dominated.

How was your time in Santa Cruz? There were also many great talents. Was there a player in your short time that really impressed you?

My time in Santa Cruz was fun playing for those fans and that organization I learned a lot. I played with Moses Moody and he was very good but I think I surprised my own self with how resilient and mentally strong I was to be able to handle diverse situations and how I am able to adapt and play at any level.

What was your best example that you saw in the G-League where you saw that the NBA will always be a business?

The NBA will always be a business just like overseas basketball. I think universally a lot of programs handle the business side of basketball very similar but they pay on time.

Would you ever go back to the G-League or are the NBA chances just to slim?

If it was the right situation I would go back to the G league.

You played at the University of West Virginia (NCAA) from 2015-2019. You had 2 NCAA Sweet 16 runs losing to Gonzaga and Villanova. What run did you enjoy more?

Honestly I can’t even pick which run was more fun because they both taught me so much about winning and teamwork and being up and being down I can’t pick.

You played a game against NCAA powerhouse Kentucky. What memories do you have of playing against great players against Shai Gillgeous-Alexander, Kevin Knox and PJ Washington? Is Shai at his limit or could become the best player in the NBA one day?

Playing against Shai and them dudes was fun it was very competitive and they had a name so the game was much more intense. I think if God wants him to be the MVP of the league he will be.

How valuable was legendary head coach Bob Huggins in your early basketball development? How did he help your game best?

Bob Huggins was like everybody´s father basically he was a very good person and he taught me toughness and just the will to want to win basketball games more than anybody else no matter what it took. Our practices were so hard the games came easy and that’s why we were good. He taught me a lot I would have to write a whole different paper about the things I learned from him and just being in college playing for a legendary coach in general.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Esa Ahmad?

Me I don’t lose 1 on 1s

You added a season at Missouri State University (NCAA) averaging 9.6ppg, 3.8rpg, FGP: 57.5%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 91.2%. How did head coach Dana Ford give you that last push on the way to a pro career?

No comment

What was your fondest moment at Missouri State? You had a big 22 point game in a win over Indiana State.

No comment

Who is the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that went to the NBA?

Maybe Trae Young if we are talking players but maybe having to guard Josh Jackson from Kansas.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Bam from Miami Heat

Jevon Carter

Dennis Smith Jr

Alterique Gilbert from highschool

Devin Williams

What is your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

Lebron, MJ, Kareem and Shaq plus Kobe I can’t pick.

What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan or Lebron?

Lebron James is the greatest basketball player to have ever been born since the beginning of time.

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

Yea I have seen the sequel. It wasn’t as good as the original by a long shot but it was still funny to watch.

Thanks Lamont for the chat.

Lamont West Enjoys Being Able To Wake Up Everyday In Quackenbruck And Become A Better Version Of Himself

Thanks Lamont for talking to germanhoops.com. A tough 79-64 loss in Koblenz. Was it a long bus ride home or could you sleep?

Yea it’s was a tough loss and nobody slept on the bus.

The team has lost 11 games in a row. Does every loss get tougher mentally? How do you cope with it?

It is a long season you can’t get to high or to low. 11 in a row is tough, but we just need to come together as a team and come up with a solution.

The game began well for the Artland Dragons. It was a game of runs in the first quarter. You kept Ty Cockfield at 0 points. How big was the goal to limit him?

We knew Ty is a good player from the film we watched so as a team we wanted to just contain him as best as we could.

The team did a good job on Cockfield. Did you sense he got frustrated early?

I honestly couldn’t tell if he was frustrated or not I was locked in on trying to keep the lead.

In the second quarter the Dragons had a run and led 29-20, but let Koblenz come back on a big run to lead 38-34. Why can´t the team play a quarter of flawless basketball?

Playing flawless basketball is not easy for anybody. We for sure struggle to play “flawless” basketball but it’s not impossible for us.

In the second quarter You and Tajh Green gave important buckets. How do you guys compliment each other best?

Me and Taj just play off of each other’s energy and try to just do best what we do for the team. Be athletic and make big plays.

In the third quarter the EPG Guardians made the turning point of the game and led 56-37. What went wrong in this quarter?

As a team I think we need to stay more poised and not react so much to the outside and just focus on ourselves and see what we do best to keep leads. We need to be able to make smarter decisions at certain points in the game.

In the fourth quarter Artland scored well, but was the team a little tired. They had tried to exhaust the Dragons. Did that happen?

No they didn’t we did it to ourselves.

Buzz Anthony was on triple double course. Do you believe that he will make one this season?

If God has buzz getting a triple double in his plans than it will happen for him.

What did the team learn from this loss?

We just have to watch film and continue with practices and just focus more mentally.

It seems like the bench is thin with scoring power. Do guys like you, Green and Johnson feel pressure to step up?

I don’t feel pressure I get in the gym and workout extra everyday so I prepare myself to be at my best at all times. I’m sure the other have their thoughts on them scoring personally so I can’t speak for them.

I believe all you need is a win to help the team move forward. But it doesn´t get any easier. Is the team defense fixable?

Yes our defense is fixable

You only had 5 points. Obviously more has to come from you after a loss like this? What do you do after a loss? Do watch extra film?

After wins or loses my next off day I pray and I go get extra shots up and lift. I watch Hudl because I get an Instant email from the coach so I can watch the games and certain break downs.

A good friend of mine Joe Asberry is a big supporter of you and Green. He is always pushing you guys with motivation. How valuable has he been for you?

Joe is my guy! Joe is a very inspirational man and he always gives good advice and just keeps us level headed. Can’t over think this stuff it’s basketball he always tells me that. Joe is a great guy.

Your averaging 9/2 stats in the Pro A. Do you see your self stepping up your game?

I can step my game up more we have to just come together as a team and figure out our identity then I think my numbers will rise for sure. Basketball is a team game and I try to focus more on winning than personal narratives.

You have had a pretty stable three pointer in the last years and even shot 43% in Slovenia. How do you see the development of your shot?

I personally feel I am a very good shooter and I have showcased that many times. You can just watch me workout and tell how good I can shoot. I work on my jumper every practice because that can transfer to any level of the game.

You have never averaged more than 12,0ppg since high school. Do you see yourself becoming a 15-16 points scorer in time?

I never averaged 12 since high because my role on my teams have not been to dominate the game scoring wise which I could do easily but my coaches have not needed me to do that. I play my role and do what the coaches want from me. If a team needs me to score 15-20 I could easily do that. I’m tall strong athletic can shoot I bet on myself any day.

Is it fair to say that your defense is still raw. What kind of defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I don´t know if my defense is raw but I think in certain systems certain skill sets of mine show better based on our defensive principals and how we want to guard teams. I can guard 1-5 and feel comfortable I don’t need help guarding anybody I just force people to shoot over and not allow people to blow past me I have a 7’2 wingspan.

What kind of an experience has it been suiting up for the Artland Dragons? What have you enjoyed most from the experience?

Honestly I don’t have anything to complain about. I like being here and I love the fans and my teammates were just in a rough patch. Everybody seems nice and I can use the gym anytime so that’s a plus. Artland is a small town and they love basketball. I enjoy most just being able to wake up everyday and become a better version of me.

What are your new years resolution?

My New Year’s resolution is to just live everyday trying to become a better version on myself every single day.

Thanks Lamont for the chat.

The EPG Guardians Koblenz Snap 3 Game Losing Streak Defeating The Artland Dragons 79-64

Both the Artland Dragons and EPG Guardians Koblenz were riding losing streaks and the most positive thing going into the game in the CGM arena was that one team would finally have ended their drought. The Artland Dragons had a horrible season last season that were saved at the end to stay in the Pro A and this season the same sort of turn of events have occurred again despite a great start to the season. The Artland Dragons began with a bang winning their first 4 games, but since had a 10 game losing streak under the guidance of ex Koblenz coach Pat Elze. The EPG Guardians Koblenz had riden a 3 game losing streak since their fantastic home win against the Tigers Tuebingen. The EPG Guardians had to find a way to buckle down on defense as they had given up an average of 93 points in the last 3 games. On a cold Sunday afternoon, the game was close at half-time, but in the second half, the EPG Guardians Koblenz stepped up their game finally hitting shots and getting stops helping them control the game. Basketball can be that easy. “This was a super game for us. This game was a lot different from the last one in Giessen. Everybody gave a great effort. We played good defense and shared the ball really well on offense”, stressed EPG Guardians Koblenz guard Jakob Hanzalek. The losing and blues continued for the Artland Dragons as a disastrous third quarter cost them the game. In the fourth quarter with the exception of a few minutes, it was a cake walk for Koblenz. “We began well as our zone worked well. Both teams went on runs. All was ok at the break. Our offense couldn´t execute in the third quarter. We played too wild. Scoring 3 points in 8 minutes won´t help you win”, stressed Artland Dragons assistant coach Markus Jackson. “It was an us week. We had a great week of practice. We didn´t even look at video of the Giessen game and didn´t watch film on Artland until a day before the game. We just focused on us. We looked like a team. We executed well and there was no selfishness. We all trusted each other. Bradley played a great game. We wouldn´t have won without him”, warned Ty Cockfield.

Allin Blunt away jumper

The first quarter showcased a good start by the EPG Guardians Koblenz, only to see the Artland Dragons go on a run to steal the lead at 19-17 after 10 minutes. Koblenz came out punching going on a swift 6-0 lead as Czech Republic forward David Bohm (205-F/C-2001, college: EWU, agency: Octagon Europe) and American Michael Bradly connected on consecutive three´s. Boehm continued to be aggressive and display his versatility scoring a lay in for the 8-3 advantage. Koblenz got sloppy on defense getting fouls allowing Artland to come back via the free throw line trailing only 10-8. Basketball will always be a game of runs as the EPG Guardians jumped out on a 7-2 run to lead 17-10. In the run, Koblenz received good support from their bench as energetic guard Yassin Mahfouz nailed a three point bank shot and Leon Friderici scored on the drive. However Artland didn´t wilt like a flower, but chipped back at the Guardians lead step by step drawing fouls. Young German Thorben Doeding scored as did German big man Robert Oehle. Artland stayed aggressive on defense getting stops and American Taylor Johnson who played at Dartmouth College (NCAA) drilled home a trey in the last seconds. They also did a super job keeping Cockfield to 0 points. “They came back by getting to the free throw line. Cockfield did too little. He had to drive more. We defended well at the guard position”, stressed EPG sport director Thomas Klein.

Tajh Green at the FT line

The second 10 minutes was a tale of 2 quarters as the Artland Dragons rushed out on a big run, but couldn´t hold the momentum as the EPG Guardians Koblenz fought back and stole the lead back leading by 4 points at half-time. Ty Cockfield got Koblenz on the board first finally making his first field goal nailing a three pointer for the 20-19 advantage. The Artland Dragons then had their best phase of the game going on a 10-0 run to lead 29-20. Ex Dragons Rhondorf guard Badu Buck who recently came from Pro B team Berlin Braves went on a scoring spree scoring 5 points. He had a good week of practice and gave big energy hitting a three and some free throws. Artland continued to be aggressive attacking the rim as ex Missouri State forward Lamont West scored as did ex Benedict College (NCAA) forward Tajh Green scored in the paint area. Artland did a great job keeping the Guardians out of the zone and keeping Cockfield at bay. The Guardians didn´t have Boehm on the court as he couldn´t take his momentum from the first quarter and just produced bad offensive decisions. However the EPG Guardians Koblenz came out of their funk after being stopped on 9 straight possession and went on a 19-4 run to lead 38-34 at the break. In the run David Bohm continued to execute at a high rate steering 8 points while Bradley nailed another three pointer and German big man Moses Poelking made a lay in. The most spectacular play of the game occurred on the last play with 5 seconds. Ty Cockfield went coast to coast and it seemed like he would finish himself, but at the last second kicked the ball to the left wing as Jakob Hanzalek made a buzzer beater trey. “At the last second help came for Cockfield as he was already in the air. He saw me in corner. It was a super pass on a great drive. My shot felt good”, stated Jakob Hanzalek. “Boehm got us back in the game. His game gave us more space on offense to open up things”, said Thomas Klein.

David Boehm at the FT line

In the third quarter came the turning point of the game as the EPG Guardians Koblenz broke open the game going on a massive run and led by 16 minutes after 30 minutes. Moses Poelking made a free throw and Top Pro A assist man Buzz Anthony made a pull up jumper to trail 39-36. Then out of seemingly nothing the EPG Guardians Koblenz shifted up a few gears and ran over the Artland Dragons going on a 17-1 run to lead 56-37. In the run the Guardians executed well from downtown getting 3 three´s from Bradley, ex BBL player Leon Friederici and Cockfield. The Guardians also played inside out basketball getting points in the paint from Boehm and American Ben Stevens while Bradley also added a pull up jumper. Koblenz was in a groove while Bradley continued to fill the Cockfield void who wasn´t as his best with his shooting percentages, but when shots aren´t falling,he simply created for others dishing out 8 dimes in the game. Koblenz also stepped up their defense closing down their bigs with no penetration and forcing many turnovers. Artland stopped the run with a Taylor Johnson trey, but couldn´t make any ground. “We began the third quarter the way we stopped the second quarter. I think like we did the same things, but just with more energy”, commented Jakob Hanzalek. “The third quarter cost us the game. We forced too much and didn´t play smart. When you get hit by a run like that, you lose a little faith”, expressed Markus Jackson.

Brandon Thomas with the drive

In the fourth quarter the EPG Guardians managed their lead well and with a few slip ups, finished the game strong and never let up and never allowed them to get under 10 points. Both teams executed well on offense and just punched back and forth. The Artland Dragons got some early three´s from Green and Anthony to cut the Guardians lead to 14, but Koblenz always had an answer. Boehm and Friederici added back to back lay in´s to lead 69-50. Then came a little lapse by the Guardians as they allowed up a 6-2 Dragons run as they were a bit passive. They got free throws from 40 year old Brandon Thomas and 2 lays from the freak athlete Tahj Green to trail 71-58. But the EPG Guardians escaped from their momentary down phase punching back on a 5-0 run to lead 76-58. You can´t totally shut down a Cockfield who contributed 4 points. The Artland Dragons were tired which led to a loss of concentration. Artland got 2 more three´s from Thomas and Doeding, but it was too little to late as Koblenz closed out 2024 with a victory. “We did a job staying focused even when up by 15 points. Bradley and Boehm really stepped up today and played great”, said Jakob Hanzalek. “The fourth quarter was ok for us. We got tired and just didn´t have the strength. We fought to the end though”, stressed Markus Jackson. The EPG Guardians Koblenz were led by David Bohm with 20 points. Ty Cockfield added 17 points and 8 assists while Michael Bradley also scored 17 points while the Artland Dragosn were led by Tajh Green with 16 points while Brandon Thomas added 10 points. The EPG Guardians Koblenz shot 38% from the field and 34% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 17 turnovers while the Artland Dragons shot 33% from the field and 33% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 15 turnovers.

Ty Cockfield Has A Lot Of Love For The EPG Guardians And Will Be In Attack Mode Against The Artland Dragons On Sunday

pic credit: Angelkingmedia

Ty Cockfield Jr. (183-PG-1996, college: Arkansas St., agency: BIG) is a 183cm point guard that is playing his 4th professional season and first in Germany with Pro A team EPG Guardians Koblenz currently averaging 18,5ppg, 2,8rpg and 3,1apg and 1,3spg.. Last season he played with Proton Cable Prizreni (Kosovo-Superliga) averaging 18,2ppg, 4,5rpg, 4,8apg and 1,1spg. In 2021-2022 he played with KB Trepca Mitrovice (Kosovo-Superliga) averaging 15.4ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 51.0%, 3PT: 25.5%, FT: 81.7%. He played his rookie season with at BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers (Austria-2.Bundesliga) averaging 22.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 5.6apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 23.3%, FT: 87.0%. He began his basketball career at Johnson high school and then played at Stetson University (NCAA) averaging 7.1ppg, 1.9rpg, FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 83.3%. He then played at Georgia Highlands College (JUCO) averaging 16.3ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.2apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 49.4%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 78.1%. He then finished at Arkansas State University (NCAA) averaging 15.1ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 78.2% and in his senior year averaged 22.4ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 48.6%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 82.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Ty for talking to germanhoops.com. How did you experience Xmas in Germany in 2024?

It was pretty cool. We got a get together with all the import guys who didn´t have family here. We all brought food and had a great time together.

What was your coolest Xmas experience in Germany? Was it the Xmas markets?

Most definitely the Christmas markets. I love how Germany celebrates the holidays. It seems like whenever there is a holiday, they celebrate it for the whole month. The way Germans celebrate holidays are dope and unique.

Koblenz has the incredible festival on Ehrenbreitstein with lights which I´m visiting tomorrow. Were you able to see that this year?

I actually have not been there. But I hope to get there sometime tomorrow.

Congrats on getting a contract extension. You’re a guy that could play in many places and the Guardians are struggling. It isn´t self-evident that you resign. You must have a lot of love for this organization?

I most definitely have a lot of love for the organization. I have a lot of love for Thomas Klein and the city. I have a great relationship to Thomas. As soon as he told me how I would fit in in the future of the club, it was a no brainer. I´m very happy here. It is a great environment.

I know Thomas Klein really adores your game. Did he have to do much convincing for you to stay?

Not to much convincing from his part. I want us to remain in the Pro A. At the moment, we are doing fine. We have to find a way to put it together.

The team is 5-9. Why is it so up and down?

It has to do with us. We are still trying to find our identity and how to put it all together. We want to make a run. If it isn´t enough for the playoffs, then we want to make a run to feel good. We want to make hard for teams to play us and at the same time have fun.

The crazy thing is that the 4 wins out of the 5 were difficult crunch time wins by not more than 4 points. You lost only one close game to Nurnberg at home. The team definitely knows how to win at the wire.

The close wins we had are really a testament to how hard we work during the week. We really dig deep. Even in games where we lost, we worked hard during the week. We have not had more than 2 days in a row off this season. We feel comfortable when games go down to the wire.

The team had 2 very good defensive performances against PS Karlsruhe and against Tuebingen. But since the Tuebingen win, the team has averaged allowing 93 points per game in the last 3 weeks. Why is the team struggling so much on the defensive end?

I think it´s all about guys trying to learn coaches philosophy. It isn´t easy for the younger players to adapt to his philosophy. Guys are attacking it and studying film. It´s all about us playing his and our game at the same time.

How have you seen the development of rookie Michael Bradley? Have you taken him under your wing?

I have taken him under my wing. I try to give him as much wisdom as possible. I´m helping him with leading the team, finding his spots better and how to put his team in a better situation to win. I keep motivating him every day.

How have you seen the play of David Boehm and Ben Stevens? They bring important things to the team and are different players. Shouldn´t they be bringing more production to the team?

Most definitely they can give more especially David. We can get more out of him. He is so versatile. He has a great game and has the opportunity to have a long career. We want both guys to step up as much as possible and capitalize off their games. Ben is a great guy and a real motor. He could get a few more rebounds and demand the ball more in the post.

Let´s talk about your game. Would you be more happy with your game if the team were in fourth or fifth place?

Oh yes. I would be more happy if we were winning more. I´m not selfish. It´s not about me. The accolades look great, but I want to win more. I could average 15 points per game and be in third place. That would be amazing.

I personally think your leading the team really well, but the team is losing. How do you deal with your situation mentally. Your playing well and doing all you can for the team, but it still loses too much?

I see myself as being 1 player on the team. I´m only human. If I get double and triple teamed, then other guys have to step up. Of course it is frustrating when you look good, but still not enough to win. Longevity is a goal of mine to help rebuild this program and see guys compliment me so I can blossom even more. I will bring even more to the team this season. I´m mentally strong. We are having growing pains at the moment. For me it´s about stacking great days, leading the guys and motivating them.

Your 4/25 shooting in the last 2 games. Does that gnaw at you mentally or is your self-confidence so huge that you know you will break out on Sunday against Artland?

I will Break out on Sunday. A shooting slump is part of the game. I had 8-9 great games and then 1-2 games where I struggled. I mean sometimes you have games where the shots just don´t fall even though I still got to my spots. I´m not worried at all. Sometimes, it does get in my head, but I´m still going to take the same shots.

Do you fear that clubs will scout you better in the second half of the season?

They already have. It began after the first game. The Pro A is a great league. Teams are already getting on me. Team´s best defender guard me every weekend. Teams are defending me hard and trying to get to my spots before I do. I´m an elite scorer and It´s my job to figure it out.

When the team is losing the way it is now, do you put more pressure on yourself pressuring yourself to have to do more?

Yes I do. That is every elite player´s job. It´s only natural for guys like that to put pressure on themselves. When we lose, I put blame on myself and when we win, it´s always the team that did it. That is what a leader does.

The EPG Guardians next clash against the Artland Dragons. They have had a crazy season. They began on fire with 4 wins, but now are riding a 10 game losing streak. Is the team thinking too much now on their horrible season last season?

Yes I think so. Guys got tight after some loses and the confidence went downhill. That changed their perspective about the league, I honestly think the Pro A is top 2 in the world in the 2nd divisions.

Do you feel like the EPG Guardians won´t underestimate them? You swept them last season.

We won´t underestimate them. We lost 3 games in a row. I won´t let them underestimate them. We have to be us and fly around.

How much are you looking forward to battling pass first point guard Buzz Anthony? He leads the league in assists and steals.

These kind of matchups are always fun. I really strive for games like that. I have more fun in games like this. I don´t think that he will get so many steals.

The Artland Dragons have a talented offensive team, but no identity on defense. What will be key to getting the win?

We have to attack. We play defense. We have to put our offense together. I will be in attack mode and bring team with me. We will be aggressive on both sides of the ball.

Thanks Ty for the chat.

Ivan Crnjac´s Perfect 12/12 Game Was A Statement To The NBBL That He Belongs To The Best In His Age Group

Ivan Crnjac (203-F-2007) is a 17 year old 201cm forward currently averaging 21,8ppg, 7,8rpg, 2,2spg, and 2,4spg in the NBBL (U-19) and in the Pro B currently is averaging 11,9ppg, 4,5rpg, 1,8apg and 1,1spg. He helped the Fraport Skyliners win the B League title at the U-18 International Cup in Tokyo, Japan. In 2023 he reached the JBBL (U-16) top 4. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his perfect 12/12 game against Chemnitz in the NBBL.

Congrats on the massive 114-90 win over Chemnitz. The team is now 7-0. How content have you been with the team performance?

I´m very happy how we have played as a team. We have played very well in many types of games. We won close games and even won games where we lost the lead and came back. I hope it continues in the second half of the season. I want to remain unbeaten.

One should always think game to game and opponent to opponent, but as a young man doesn´t one think about having an undefeated season?

Yes I do. It is our goal. We spoke as a team before the season that we want to reach the top 4 and win it.

On what areas does the club need to work on most to continue to grow as a team?

We have to get better with transition defense, 1-1 defense and our communication.

Jamie Edoka had a great game with 23/12/5 stats. His super game was lost a bit with your perfect game. How valuable is he overall for the team?

He is very important for us. He is one of our young guys and he plays such a huge role in our success. He has developed very well. We need him every game with hiss coring, rebounding, assists and defense.

Julius Messer also had a great game with 26 points. He has needed no adjustment time after his long injury. How much do you value his game? He and Peters could form their own duo as you are in the trio with Edoka and Omog.

Julius is also very important. He came back strong and has performed very well in the NBBL and Pro B. He and Max can always be crucial in scoring for us. There could be games where teams will try to limit me and Jamie. Then guys like Julius and Max can take over and take on responsibility.

Congrats on the perfect game. 33 points on 12/12 shooting and 3/3 from the free throw line. What does this performance mean to you?

It means a lot to me. The NBBL is my main team. I´m one of the main guys and am captain. I still want to prove that I belong to the best in my age group. For me this game was a statement to the NBBL that I can play.

You didn´t come into the game too positive. How much did the tape on your index finger bother you?

I didn´t think about it really during the game. I was very focused and just continued shooting. The more I made baskets the less I thought about it.

Did your confidence grow with every bucket and did the basket feel like throwing it into the ocean?

My confidence grew with every three pointer. I always wanted to take the next one. I tried to take the open ones and not force anything.

You came into the game shooting 43%. How do explain the great accuracy despite the unorthodox high release?

I haven´t perfected my shot yet with the high release. But I think that I can shoot it well. The high release helps me when guys are guarding me. It gives me that advantage. I´m not afraid to shoot when an opponent is close to me.

Did you think about keeping the perfect record by not taking a shot in the 4 plus minutes in the fourth quarter?

I did think about it. I had the perfect game in my head. In between, I did look at the stats. I wanted to keep my perfect record. If I would have had easy ones, I would of shot it, but not any difficult ones.

What was your favorite bucket? I liked a reverse lay up after 2 extra passes.

That was a cool play. We actually wanted to run it earlier, but they got a steal. We ran it later and I saw the defender up high, so I went back door. It was a great pass by Max Peters. I also loved my 6th three pointer. That one felt the best. It didn´t feel real.

Did you get any cool messages from players or friends after the game?

It has been pretty much chilled until now. I got messages from my teammates and family. Friends also wrote me telling me they liked my performance. There was nothing extraordinary.

What is your goal as a player in the Pro B and NBBL in the second half of the season?

My goal in the NBBL in the second half is to keep winning and support my team as best as possible. I have the stats in my head. I want to belong to the best scorers in the NBBL. And keep my shooting percentages high. In the Pro B I want to develop my game further with my scoring. Perhaps I can belong to the top scorers on the team. I will continue to work on my game and help the team as much as possible.

How are you celebrating Xmas?

I´m with family and friends. I will eat a lot and sleep a lot.

Thanks Ivan for the chat.

Booker Coplin Gives The Frankfurt Skyliners Xmas Gift With Buzzer Beater Win Over ratiopharm Ulm 87-85

Just seeing the schedule of the Frankfurt Skyliners and their upcoming games over the Xmas time could give some players a rude taste in their mouths and lead to no appetite, but not a good idea shortly before Christmas. The Frankfurt Skyliners had Ulm, Ludwigsburg and Munich left in 2024 and needed to win as much as possible, but that was easier said then done. After a brutal loss in Wurzburg, an even nastier followed against Braunschweig. Frankfurt had 10 days to prepare for ratiopharm Ulm as all they could hope for was a merry merry game against the top BBL team. Ulm had their 5 game winning streak halted with a tough 69-67 loss in their own living room to rising team MLP Academics Heidelberg. The Frankfurt Skyliners faced a must win and I´m sure some of the most faithful Skyliner fans had produced some sort of praying going into the game. On a mild Monday night, a day before Xmas, the Frankfurt Skyliners played 40 minutes of punching back and forth basketball and saved their best for last as Booker Coplin (191-G-1997, college: Augsburg, agency: BIG) made an incredible buzzer beater winning shot that shocked ratiopharm Ulm and ruined their Xmas. “We came and played a great game. We came out strong fighting on defense. We knew that they had some talented bigs that liked to crash the boards, but we knew that if we could get back on transition and play our game that we would have a chance. I think that the basketball God was on our side tonight”, smiled Jordan Theodore. Ratiopharm didn´t have their A game, but were always ready to punch back when Frankfurt punched. Ulm had control late, but let the game fall out of their hands. “I´m very disappointed how we played. But a lot of credit to Frankfurt. They played a great game. It was a great atmosphere. We weren´t ready to play and didn´t start to play until the second quarter. We need to improve finishing games”, stated ratiopharm Ulm head coach Ty Harrelson.

Isaiah Roby at the Ft line

The first quarter was a tight affair as there were 7 lead changes, but Frankfurt was able to make some ground in the latter part and led by 4 points after 10 minutes. In the first minutes talented Israeli guard Ben Saraf who is a huge 2025 NBA draft prospect scored twice showing his IQ and being able to make quick decisions. Frankfurt got a big spark from Einaras Tubutis who added 8 points including 2 three´s while ex Seton Hall guard Jordan Theodore also added a three pointer for the 14-10 Frankfurt lead. The guests had opted mostly for the drive, but they then finally nailed a trey as ex Boise State (NCAA) guard Justinian Jessup scored to pull Ulm to 14-13. Walking bucket Malik Parsons who won the double in Denmark last season scored 6 unanswered points as his aggressiveness took over as Frankfurt led 19-13. Ratiopharm Ulm didn´t look that fresh on the court like they usually do which gave Frankfurt the opportunity to heighten their intensity and dictate the game. Frankfurt would keep the lead, but Ulm kept punching back as French junior national player Noa Essengue made a tough shot in the paint and 2017 NBBL champion Nelson Weidemann dropped a trey, but Frankfurt led 25-21 after one quarter. “Tubutis shot great for us. Parsons also did his thing. He is a walking bucket. It really felt like everyone was scoring and contributing”, stressed Jordan Theodore. Frankfurt was shooting very well with over 60% from the 2 point range and from outside and had 5 rebounds and 4 turnovers while ratiopharm Ulm shot 44% from the 2 point range and 20% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

Jordan Theodore from outside

In the second quarter The Frankfurt Skyliners struggled a bit to start, but came back and then had a back and forth punching match until the break. Ratiopharm Ulm began with a 7-0 run and stopped Frankfurt 5 times. In the Ulm run, they attacked the paint area and were successful as they got a lay in from ex NBA player Isaiah Roby and a lay in and free throws by ex Munich forward Karim Jallow. The Ulm press annoyed Frankfurt and Frankfurt opted for more 1-1 play. Jallow was a real spark plug doing it at both ends. Ex Boston College German Patrick Heckman stopped the run with a sweet trey as Frankfurt tied the game at 28-28. Frankfurt´s offense executed better again with a fade away jumper from ex Wright State guard Trey Calvin and a trey by Booker Coplin as the game was tied at 33-33. Essengue and Parsons traded baskets and Ulm then went on a mini 4-0 run to lead 40-35 as Essengue scored on transition and Karim Jallow made a thunderous dunk. The dime was made by Ben Saraf who made a beautiful cross over and then made the shovel pass for the basket. Frankfurt always stayed calm and ready and punched back with a mini 4-0 run as Theodore and Parsons split the defense with lay in´s. Jallow closed out the second quarter with a lay in as ratiopharm Ulm had the slim 42-40 lead. “They tried to speed us up with their press. We turned the ball over. However Parsons still made big shots. He kept us in the game”, added Jordan Theodore.

Noa Essengue with the lay in

In the third quarter ratiopharm Ulm gave up the lead briefly in the first minutes, but then stole it back, but never led by more than 6 points as the Frankfurt Skyliners continued to execute very well on the offensive end. Frankfurt came out of half-time with a bang as Minnesota native Booker Coplin hit a trey and Tubutis made a lay in with Theodore tip toeing through the defense and giving him the shovel pass for the 46-45 lead. “I created for him and he made the bucket. I still have speed. I´m not that old yet”, expressed Jordan Theodore. But ratiopharm Ulm fought back and went on a 7-0 run as they kept hurting Frankfurt inside with their bigs as Essengue made 5 points and Roby a lay in for the 51-46 advantage. But then came the Jordan Theodore show as he supplied 13 points. It was like the good old days. He was showcasing his inside out game as he hit 3 three´s, made a 20 footer and lay in. ratiopharm Ulm also got some vital support from ex Illinois (NCAA) guard Alfonso Plummer who nailed 2 crazy off balance three´s. Parson´s also added a tough off balance shot and dunk down the stretch. Theodore´s third trey of the quarter was a buzzer beater, but ratiopharm Ulm still led 65-64 after 3 quarters. “I made a good play and got the ball to Muenkat who then got it back to me. I knew it was going in”, smiled Jordan Theodore. “Theodore gives Frankfurt a lot of experience. He made some big plays and some tough step backs and drives”, stated Ty Harrelson. “I started to catch fire. The first 2 games, I had no legs, but with the 10 days of practice, that really helped me. I was really feeling it with my shot. I finally got my number 25 again”, stressed Jordan Theodore. The Frankfurt Skyliners shot 50% from the field and 57% from the three point line and had 18 rebounds and 11 turnovers while ratiopharm Ulm shot 50% from the field and 29% from three point line and had 29 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Malik Parsons at the FT line

The fourth quarter was a solid offensive display as both teams executed well and no team could get away from the other and decide the game early. Frankfurt began with a key 7-3 run to lead 72-68 as Calvin added 5 points and Parsons as usual showed his crazy athleticism with a hard dunk. Jessup and Jallow gave Ulm some support with baskets, but they still trailed 74-73. After Saraf and Coplin traded baskets, the game was deadlocked at 78-78. Isaiah Roby who played for the Oklahoma Thunder during Covid made a clutch three pointer for the 81-78 Ulm advantage. Then was a golden opportunity for the guests to decide the game as they stopped Frankfurt 3 times, but they made no ground as they were also stopped 3 times. Roby then added a lay in late as ratiopharm Ulm led 83-78 and had the chance to decide the game again. However Frankfurt kept fighting and got a huge trey from Coplin to trail 83-81. Saraf made free throws with the 85-81 lead with 1,20 to go. Ulm was in the drivers seat, but wouldn´t score again. Frankfurt got Tubutis free throws to trail 85-83. On the next possession, David Mjuenkat made a steal which led to free throws from him and the game was 85-85. Ratiopharm Ulm didn´t have that killer instinct as Jessup took a jumper which was a good look, but it didn´t fall. “The game went back and forth with both teams making big shots. So many shots at the end of the shot clock”, stated Jordan Theodore. Then came Booker Coplin time. He attempted a trey with a few seconds from the corner that missed, but Tubutis got the offensive rebound and got the ball to Coplin. Coplin must have had an idea that there was about nothing left on the clock as he just tipped the ball towards the basket that fell through which left the arena in total bedlam and the Xmas win. “That was a hell of a rebound by Tubutis. That was big balls. He had the awareness to kick it back to Coplin. I never saw a shot like that before. I knew it was going in”, smiled Jordan Theodore. “We had a 4 point lead and then shot it with 7 seconds and ott the foul. We have to be more aware on defense. We could of reduced one possession. That one more possession gave them the win”, added Ty Harrelson. The Frankfurt Skyliners were led by Jordan Theodore and Malik Parsons with 18 points a piece. Booker Coplin added 14 points and Einaras Tubutis 13 points while ratiopharm Ulm was led by Isaiah Roby with 19 points and Karim Jallow and Ben Saraf added 13 points a piece. The Frankfurt Skyliners shot 46% from the field and 50% from outside and had 30 rebounds and 13 turnovers while ratiopharm Ulm shot 51% from the field and 35% from outside and had 37 rebounds and 17 turnovers.

German Hoops

Covering Basketball In Germany!

nba