nba

Alex Lagerman(TV Langen) Will Always Sparkle As A Scorer But This Season Wants To Become A Defensive Leader

pic credit: TV Langen

Alexander Lagerman (202-SG-2004) is a 21 year old 202cm shooting guard playing his first season with TV Lagne. Last season he played with Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf averaging 9.4ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 72.1%. In the 2023-2024 season he played with the wiha Panthers Schwenningen (ProB) playing16 games averaging 15.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 61.6%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 72.7%. He began his basketball career with the Fraport Skyliners in the JBBL (U-16) and also played 4 Pro B games and in 2022-2023 season in the NBBL averaged :21.2ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 78.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after TV Langen´s first win of the season over Wurzburg.

Congrats Alex on the first win for TV Langen over 89-69. How good does it feel? You had a buzzer beater last season in Wurzburg.

The win feels good. It was a big relief winning our first game. The funny thing is this win was around the same time as my buzzer beater with Rhondorf in Wurzburg last season. I seem to have Wurzburg and Ludwigsburg number. I always paly well against them.

Did you ever have doubts about winning? How tough was the season up to now losing 5 in a row?

The last loses were tough on us as a team. We moved up from the Regionalliga and it was known that the club didn´t have much money. When that is the case, then you have to win other ways bringing more effort. We had doubts up to game, but during the game everything worked. Plus Wurzburg didn´t have their best game.

Wurzburg had the quick 5-0 lead, but you then scored the first TV Langen points. How did you feel? Did you think like you could have a great scoring day?

Yes it felt good. I noticed that getting to the rim was so easy. That was the moment where I believed that I could have a good scoring night.

Wurzburg got a lot of easy buckets inside. The team allows 87 points. Is 1-1 defense something you feel the team will be able to clean up in next weeks?

Our 1-1 defense is our biggest weakness as well as rim protection. We don´t have the length and no big center so we have to defend harder and simply have more discipline. Paint protection and 1-1 defense are big focuses for us as a team.

How much energy did your dunk give the team at the end of the first quarter? TV Langen then got lead back at 18-16.

The dunk was big, but also we had a phase before and after the dunk where we got steals and transition baskets which helped us a lot. Bring defense to offense was key.

TV Langen led 46-35 at the break and took control of the game thanks to Niklas Pons who produced 12 points. He was a one man wrecking crew. How special of a player is he?

His play is vital for our success. He is a playmaker/glue guy. He always gives the team unbelievable energy especially on defense. He also does a great job getting to the basket. He is our internal engine.

He already achieved a triple double this season. Does his play motivate you in general as a player to work on your total game?

Yes he does. I see his complete game and some of the things that he does well are my weaknesses. I try to soak up as much as possible from his game. He is an expert on 1-1 defense and knows how to punish defenders.

TV Langen really broke open the game in the third quarter and led 70-48 after 30 minutes. You had 10 points. Did you feel like you were in the zone at one point?

Yes it felt like I was in the zone. I finally hit a three pointer after many attempts. My confidence rose after that and I hit a few more three´s after that. We really controlled the flow as a whole in that phase.

Wurzburg had a little run in the last quarter, but TV Langen still won by a large margin. How thrilled are you to have finished strong as a team?

I´m happy that we finished so well. I think key was that everyone was prepared to play that night. Every player brought much energy. It was a complete team effort. It was a lot of fun.

TV Langen won the rebounds, had 24 assists, 21 steals and 12 turnovers. What stat was the best for you?

I feel like steals was the most important stat. The steals helped us get out on runs. Our defense helped us capitalize on scoring which turned the game around.

On what areas does the team have to improve on to keep the winning streak alive against 5-2 Speyer?

Playing in Speyer is always difficult. I remember last season with Rhondorf having no chance there. We have to work on our 1-1 defense, rebounding and paint protection. On offense we have to work on spacing and getting better into our sets. Hitting more shots would also help.

You shot 13/29 having 33 points and 11 rebounds. This was a career high. Was this your best offensive game?

It wasn´t my best shooting day as I have had better games where I scored a lot and took less shots. But overall with scoring, rebounding, passing and steals was it up with my best in my career.

You had good games this season with the exception of your 2 points against Orange Academy. Is your aggressiveness at a point now where your content?

I like the aggressiveness that I have now. I will always take shots and not shy away from doing it. But for me the most important thing is that the team work well together to have success.

What is your goal as a player this season with TV Langen? Can you make the next step?

My goal is to keep working on my game and get better and more consistent. I also want to be more of a leader on defense. I think that being good defensively will always help your team most.

Is being the number one scoring option important for you or are you content on sharing the important shots with guys like Washington, Crnjac or Pons?

I always want to share it. I never go into the game wanting to score the most points. I always want to share the scoring. Plus it takes the scoring load of your shoulder when many can do it.

What were the main reasons for joining TV Langen? Your from Frankfurt. How vital was being closer to home?

I wanted to focus more on my studies. I will do a bank apprenticeship starting on 1.1.2026 in Frankfurt at UBS

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Drago Crnjac?

He wins some and I win some. Drago has a knack for making tough shots.

Thanks Alex for the chat.

Elijah Miller(Eisbaeren Bremerhaven) Has Career High 33 Points In Win Against The Artland Dragons Proving That You Can´t Fall Asleep On Him

Elijah Miller (183-PG-1997, college: UPEI) is a 28 year old 183cm point guard from Ontario, Canada playing his third professional season and second in Germany with Pro A team Eisbaeren. Last season with the Eisbaeren he averaged 13.4ppg, 3.9rpg, APG-2 (6.7), 1.0spg, FGP: 46.7%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT: 88.0%. In his rookie season he played for KK Kozuv AD Gevgelija (North Macedonia-Prva Liga) averaging 10.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 81.3%. He also played 2 seasons with the Edmonton Stingers (CEBL) averaging 8.6ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 25.8%, FT: 75.0% and 8.3ppg, 2.9rpg, 4.5apg, FGP: 44.9%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 80.0%. He began his basketball career with the University of Prince Edward Island (U Sports) averaging 15.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 5.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 82.1%, 20.7ppg, 5.4rpg, Assists-2 (5.9apg), Steals-4 (2.7spg), FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 86.6% and in his last year averaged 19.7ppg, 5.3rpg, 5.2apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 89.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after scoring a career high 33 points in the 88-84 win over the Artland Dragons.

Thanks Elijah on the big 88-84 win over the Artland Dragons. The Eisbaeren are now 6-1. How good does another one feel?

It feels good, but I have to give credit to the Artland Dragons who played a great game. We have to be ready again for the next game at Paderborn on Sunday.

Does a win feel better every new week?

They feel great every new time. We show that a new guy can step up every game. Every win feels good, because it isn´t easy to win in the Pro A.

The Eisbaeren had the 22-21 lead after 10 minutes. You got your first points with the last basket of the quarter. Did you have any idea then that you could have a good scoring night?

I not really focused too much on my scoring but just take what the defense gives me.

The Artland Dragons had the 42-41 lead at the break. You only had 5 points at the break. How did you go into the second half mentally with your own game?

I felt like I had to be more aggressive and put more pressure on their defense. I didn´t want to force too much, but play team basketball. I knew if I did that, that shots would come.

The Artland Dragons went on a quick 11-2 run to lead 53-43. What defensive principles did the Eisbaeren get away from?

We weren´t being aggressive enough. We didn´t show our best pick and roll defense. They were getting way too many easy baskets inside from their 5 man. They also found their shooters. That was the recipe for their scoring.

You got going in the last minutes scoring 8 points and Artland led only 61-60. Did you have to risk more or did you let the game come to you?

I let the game come to me. In the first half, they wanted me to take three´s. I was more patient in the second half and didn´t force anything. I shot with confidence and my teammates trusted me.

You scored the first 7 points for your team in the fourth quarter to regain the lead. Did you take the momentum of the end of the third quarter?

Yes I did. As soon as I saw one go in, my confidence was really high. I made sure that we ran the right play for myself or my teammates. They made me go under screens and we made them pay with open three´s.

Hendrik Warner hit some big baskets in crunch-time. How huge has his game been this season?

Hendrik is a great player in the Pro A. He is a real work horse. Coach always tells us that we have to reward our bigs by getting them the ball inside for easy baskets. Coach always says that our bigs have the hardest jobs on the team.

You continued to execute and scored 10 more points to help seal the win. What was key in crunch-time for the win?

I think key in crunch-time was just trusting the process. It was a long game and we did a good job disrupting them a bit. We found ways to get crucial stops and made big shots. We made sure that we scored and they didn´t.

You scored 33 points a career high. How good does that feel?

It feels good. I´m really not too focused on scoring, but it does feels good. It feels even better when you win.

Does a game like that spawn you to want to go for 35 the next game?

Yes it does. I know that I can score at a high level. I think that a game like this puts pressure on other teams defense because they know I can score the ball and be dangerous while also be able to create anytime for my teammates. They know that you can´t fall asleep on me on defense

Your averaging 9,0apg going into the Artland game. How strange does it feel not getting a dime in the game? The last game where you didn´t have an assist was on July 11th in the CEBL.

I feel like that was a mistake. I had at least 2 assists. I had an obvious assist to Jannis Von Seckendorf on the alley op.

The team continues to build chemistry and get better. How is this team better now than last season?

I think key in our success has been keeping many guys from last season and the new core of guys this season have all learned the system and adapted to it very well.

The team also defends very well. What has Steve Esterkamp drilled into your heads about the importance of defense in the Pro A?

We always practice defense first and offense second. Putting a lot of pressure on teams each game is key.

On Sunday you travel to 2-5 team Paderborn. What will be key to getting the win?

We have to stick to the basics. We have to follow our game plan and be disciplined. We have to play fast and make quick decisions and be locked into defense.

Thanks Elijah for the chat.

Jon´il Fugett Had No Idea That He Had Exploded For 48 Points As All He Was Concerned About Was Trying To Get The Win

Jon’il Fugett (183-PG-1999, college: UCCS) is a 25 year old 183cm guard from Denver, Colorado playing his third professional season and second with TSG Westerstede (Pro B) while also playing for easyCredit BBL team EWE Baskets Oldenburg. Last season he helped TSG Westerstede (Germany-Regionalliga) move up to the Por B averaging (23.3), 4.9rpg, 4.9apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 69.0%. He played his rookie season for 3 clubs with BC Spartak Pleven (Bulgaria-NBL) averaging 12.8ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.8apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 41.7%, 3FGP: 58.3%, FT: 93.8%, in Jan.’24 moved to KK Pelister Sport Bitola (North Macedonia-Prva Liga) averaging 4.5ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg, in Feb.’24 signed at KK Vardar Skopje (North Macedonia-Prva Liga) averaging 13.7ppg, 3.0rpg, 4.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 29.9%, FT: 65.5%. He began his basketball career at George Washington high school and then played a season at Butler Community College (JUCO) averaging 7.6ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.0apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 40.1%, 3PT: 26.9%, FT: 62.7%. He then played 2 years at West Texas A&M University (NCAA2) averaging 10.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 71.4% and 12.9ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 43.4%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 77.3%. He then finished at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (NCAA2) averaging 13.8ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 44.1%, FT: 75.0% and 15.3ppg, 4.9rpg, 3.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 42.4%, FT: 74.6%. He spoke to eurobasket after his monumental 48 point game in the Pro B.

Congrats on scoring 48 points against Neustadt. Could you in anyway realize this amazing feat despite getting the loss?

Thank you and yes I’m starting to realize just how big it is with all of the attention that it is getting throughout this past week. Although I do really wish that the stats came with a win.

Last season you had a 41 point performance in the Regionalliga. Was 48 points your career high?

48 is my new career high. To be honest I knew that I had a lot of points but I did not know that it was 48. I was more focused on the win in the moment.

You began the game with a block and then had 5 points in less than 2 minutes. Was that just a normal start for you as you’re a walking bucket?

I feel like I kind of do what the team needs in terms of the way that games start. A lot of it depends on the way the defense is playing me. I came into this game knowing that I needed to be a little more aggressive though and that’s what I was trying to get my team to mimic.

You then scored 11 more points and had 16 points after a quarter. You made a three pointer at the buzzer. Was that the moment where you thought this could be a special game of 40+ points?

The shot at the buzzer wasn’t necessarily my thought that I could go and get 40 but more so was just a feel good morale boost for the team. I feel like that was a shift in momentum and definitely helped me with my confidence the rest of the game.

You only scored 6 points in the second quarter. Your shots weren´t falling. How important was it that you remained aggressive and got to the free throw line and just kept shooting the ball?

After the second quarter I kind of saw their lead grow and I knew that I had to make sure I could give us a little more on the offensive end if we were going to be able to keep competing.

In the third quarter you scored 9 points, but Neustadt still had the 69-63 advantage after 30 minutes. At that point you had 33 points. What was your mindset going into the fourth quarter?

At the end of the 3rd quarter I was really happy with our teams fight and perseverance and I kind of used that as motivation for myself offensively and defensively. As a competitor and someone who loves the game you live for these close games with a packed crowd. Whether it’s home or away you just want to get the win however you can.

You guys kept fighting back and you scored 5 points in the last minute. But in the end it was the free throws from Neustadt that cost Westerstede the game. What do you believe could the young guys learn from the loss?

I think the biggest thing the young guys can learn is just how important the details get when you’re in those pressure situations. The smallest details that nobody is willing to do can determine a win or a loss.

What does this personal feat of 48 points mean to you. You took many three´s and would have easily reached 50 points or close to 60 had you hit more shots?

This accomplishment means a lot to the work dedication and patience I’ve had so far throughout my career. A lot of my shots rattled in and out of the rim and I’m just happy that I had coaches and teammates who were confident in me and my ability. That night it was a good night for me but we will need a good night from everybody throughout the season so when someone else is feeling it I will show the same support.

As a competitor like you does a game like this lift your expectations for eclipsing the 50 points?

I feel like I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think I could go get 50 or even 60 at some point, but again that’s just me being confident in what I am able to do. My first goal is bringing whatever the team needs to win.

Did you get special messages from friends and family from USA?

Yeah I got some love from friends and family back in the US so that was cool to see. I got a good support system back there so I’m blessed for that.

What was your favorite bucket of the game?

My favorite bucket of the game had to be the last 3 I hit that I personally thought was an and 1 but the refs didn’t see it that way.

Thanks Jon´il for the chat.

The Miles Vs Toru Dean Weekly Basketball Conversation Volume 5

Toru Dean (183-PG, college: Langston) is a 183cm guard from Miami Florida playing his rookie season overseas with the TSV Bargteheide Bees (Germany-Regionalliga). He began his basketball career with South Miami High School and then played 3 seasons at Barry University (NCAA2) averaging 8.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 65.1% and in his second season averaged 12.0ppg, 3.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 39.2%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 46.2%; and in his third season averaged 9.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.1apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 39.9%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 62.9%. He then finished at Langston University, OK (NAIA) averaging 10.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.5apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 81.0% and 9.4ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.1apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 69.4%. He teams up every week with germanhoops.com to talk basketball.

Congrats on the tight 84-82 win over Bramsche. How did it feel winning a very tight game?

It was a really good game, I feel like sometimes we need to be in games like that to prepare us for the playoffs and when things get hard we would know how to execute and focus on the little details.

Talk about the 40 minutes and crunch-time period. How did you see the 40 minutes and what was key at the end for winning the game?

The key to this game was just defensively just being able to stop the ball in transition and not giving them any threes.

The team really let it rain three´s with 18. What was it like seeing the hot shooting. 6 guys hit three´s in the game. How special was that?

The last few games we had been struggling to make shots I feel like this is a good momentum starter for us again to carry on to the next game

How key was German Fabian Paetsch with 9 points and 3 three´s. What is so special about his game?

He can really shoot the lights out of the ball. Just have to know when he’s ready to get the ball to him so he can let it fly.

What was it like battling Boston Stanton. He led Bramsche with 21 points. What made it so hard to contain him?

I didn’t really get to guard him because I was sick. But he is a creative scorer.

You only had 6 points but 11 assists. How important was it for your game to experience a game like that? You only took 5 shots but impacted the game with your playmaking.

Yes I had a running fever and I didn’t have the energy to really create open shots for myself so I was just able to find my teammates for open shots.

You next play 2-6 team Bremerhaven. What will be key to getting win`?

Defensively just getting stops and moving the ball on offense.

Thanks Toru for the chat.

Mathieu Grujicic´s Has That Special Charachter And Winning Gene To Propel Ohio State To New Heights

Pic credit: FIBA

Ok so the NCAA basketball title drought that Ohio State has at the moment isn´t as bad as what Boston Red Sox fans had to endure for 85 years with the Curse of the Bambino, but at the moment it stands at 65 years. It really is slowly time for them to win again. They could have won a few more as they were finalists in 1961 and 1962, but since then have been battling to get that chip again as their best showing was reaching the final in 2007 and losing in the semi-final in 2012. Ohio State is always aiming to achieve the best and for the 2025-2026 have added 2 new interesting players. The one has a well known last name with Myles Herro who is the brother of NBA sharp shooter Tyler while the other one is a bit more unknown in the States, but a house hold name in Europe with the basketball nerds with the name of Mathieu Grujicic (198-G-2007). He belongs to the absolute best players in Europe from the birth year of 2006. He recently averaged 24,9ppg at the U-18 Eurochampionships and should be a 2025 NBA Draft pick. Both Herro and Grujicic could be the next great guard duo in the NCAA. “Time will tell, but we are really excited about them”, said Ohio State head coach Jake Diebler. Mathieu Grujicic is 18 year old who was born in France on July 2nd, 2006. His father is from Serbia and mother is from Germany. His parents met in France. They came to Berlin when he was 4 years old. He speaks German and Serbian and a little bit of French and has a German passport. He began his career with Alba Berlin and played the last 2 seasons with top Spanish organization FC Barcelona. One very interesting basketball trait that he has is that he knows how to win. In the last few years he helped Alba Berlin win the U-16 title in 2023, won the Adidas Next generation tournament in 2024 and 2025 where he is thrown together with talented guys that need to win a title on the fly and won the Spanish U-19 title with FC Barcelona in 2025. Winning the 2026 NCAA title with Ohio State would be the next milestone in his career, but he has many other great attributes on and off the court. “I’m excited to be able to work with a player who has such high basketball IQ and eagerness to learn. I believe this will create a pathway for major development in a short time period”, stressed Jake Diebler.

Ohio State head coach Jake Diebler will have the pleasure of coaching Mathieu Grujicic this season. It must always be very interesting for coaches seeing a potential candidate for their squad when they observe that first video of that player. For Diebler, he saw many fine things in his game. “ I saw that high basketball IQ and understanding of the game. I liked his ability to score the ball, whether as the primary creator or playing off other good players. I believe he also has an ability to make others better”, stressed Jake Diebler. He is a player that can do so much and he is so much more than just an incredible shooter. “He is a versatile, high IQ player with good positional size. He is capable of being a primary playmaker and playing off of other playmakers”, added Jake Diebler. He was already a top defender for his age in the U-16 competition in Germany and has continued to mature in Spain the last 2 years. It will be interesting to see how his defense will develop further at the NCAA level. “He is a versatile and smart defender. A high level communicator and connector”, warned Jake Diebler. 2 other major attributes are his leadership and killer instinct something which he already had when he was making waves with Alba Berlin at age 15. “I think his experience will provide great value in our locker room and throughout the season as we play high level games because he has played in more high level games than most players his age. The killer instinct is a special quality that most young players don’t have because they haven’t had a chance to fully develop it. It comes natural to Mattheiu though”, warned Jake Diebler. How well could the German player mesh with other high quality guards Bruce Thornton and John Mobley? “I think he will mesh really well because he is different than the perimeter players we have. His basketball IQ also allows him to play with other really good players well”, added Jake Diebler.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Mathieu Grujicic after he led Alba Berlin to 2023 JBBL(U-16) title in Frankfurt, Germany

Grujicic has so many incredible basketball skills on the court, but he also has other amazing attributes that often aren´t seen so well developed at a young age. One is his character. He may only be 18, but his maturity level is already that of a professional player. Coach Diebler was impressed with his character right away. “Mattheiu was mature and direct with his communication. He and I formed a connection quickly and that gave me confidence in understanding who he is and why he wanted to be a Buckeye. He spoke consistently about winning”, commented Jake Diebler. Another big strength off the court is how easy he makes you feel even if you had never met him before. I remember meeting him after he just won the German U.16 title in 2023. He put his arm around me as well as German and Canadian basketball legends Dirk Bauermann and Gordon Herbert. You would have thought that he had known everyone for years and were great friends. “Mattheiu has an ability to connect with people quickly. He is perceptive and kind, but also knowledgeable which allows him to carry conversation with people of all ages and backgrounds”, expressed Jake Diebler. But one of the greatest lines he ever gave me was when I asked him at age 15 if his biggest goal was the NBA or Euroleague. “ „My biggest goal is to have no regrets for trying to become a good basketball player”. Most guys would have said the NBA, but he chose one that no other player would of ever thought of. “That answer speaks to his maturity and desire to become great”, warned Jake Diebler. It is usually the great players that win titles. The 2025-206 Ohio State season should be a very interesting one. I won´t make any predictions if Ohio State will finally win that much desired next NCAA title, but I could imagine him becoming a press favorite with the scribes in Columbus.

Coming To The States To Play College Ball Was One Of Swiss Army Knife Hannes Saar´s(Tartu) Best Decisions In His Life

Hannes Saar (198-G-2001, college: UCCS) is a 25 year old 198cm guard from Estonia playing for Tartu Ulikool Maks & Moorits (KML). He began his basketball career with BC Tartu and then went to the States in 2020 to attned prep school and in 2021 played 2 seasons at Barton County Community College (JUCO) averaging 8.2ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 38.0%, 3PT: 29.5%, FT: 83.7% and 10.0ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.6apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 62.9%He then finished at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (NCAA2) averaging 10.5ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 40.1%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 73.3% and 11.4ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 29.6%, FT: 69.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against the Rostock Seawolves.

Thanks Hannes for talking to germanhoops.com.Your back in Europe after being 4 years in the States. How are you a different player now compared to 2021 when you left your country?

Actually, I was in the States for five years — I first went to prep school and then to college. Over that time, I became a lot stronger physically and gained much more confidence in my game. I also learned a lot about basketball, both on and off the court. One thing I really took away from my experience is the positive mindset in the U.S., and I think that has played a big role in shaping the player I am today.

I can imagine it isn´t so typical for young Estonian players to go to USA to play college ball. It has become very popular now with NIL, but in 2021 it was different. Was going to USA one of the best decisions in your life?

Yeah, I would definitely say it was one of the best decisions of my life. At first, my main goal was just to play basketball while getting a college degree, and I’m really grateful for the offers I got and the people who reached out to me. Being able to play in the U.S. was an amazing opportunity. Looking back now, five years later, NIL has become such a big deal, and a lot of young talents want to go there as soon as possible.

Your back with Tartu Ulikool Maks & Moorits (KML) with whom you played as a junior player. How important has this organization been in your basketball development? Is it your special home?

This organization has been huge for me. I started here as a little kid, around seven years old, and played until I was 18. To be back home now feels amazing. I’m really grateful for the chance to return and start my pro career here. Tartu has the best basketball school in Estonia and has developed a lot of great players over the years. And yes, it’s definitely my special home—I always came back here to work out every summer while I was in the States.

How excited are you to be playing Fiba Europe Cup? You will be showcasing your skills on a big stage. How confident are you that you can be an impact player?

I’m really excited to play in the FIBA Europe Cup and to showcase my skills on that stage. It’s definitely a more physical competition than the Estonian league, and the players are bigger and stronger, so it will be a great challenge. For me and for our team, it’s a great opportunity to test ourselves and see how good we can be against strong European clubs.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 198cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA or Euroleague player who would it be?

That’s a tough one, I don’t really like to compare myself to others, and maybe it’s better to ask my coaches or teammates about that.

You’re a player that fills the stat sheet very nice. Could one describe you as a Swiss army knife?

Jeremy Coombs actually used to call me a Swiss army knife. I just try to do whatever helps the team win games, whether that’s scoring, defending, rebounding, or creating for others.

Your shooting still is a little up and down. How would you describe the development of your shot at the moment? What kind of strides do you want to make with your shot this season?

The last two years I had to play different roles and positions because of injuries on the team, so I was often getting different kinds of shots than I was used to, and that affected my rhythm a bit. For me, shooting has always been more about confidence, and right now I’m feeling really good about it. I definitely want to be above 38% from three this season. Earlier in my career, I had a wrist injury on my shooting hand after my freshman year, which also impacted my shot for a while, but now it doesn’t bother me anymore.

Would you still classify yourself as a raw defender? Talk a little about your strengths as a defender?

I wouldn’t classify myself as a raw defender. My strengths are probably my wingspan, which helps me get steals, and my experience playing against different types of players and styles. Both in the U.S. and in Tartu, I’ve faced a lot of different opponents, and that’s helped me learn how to guard effectively.

On what areas of your game are you working on most? Is taking care of the ball one of those issues? Last season you had 2 games with 5 turnovers and one game with 6 while averaging 2,2 to´s per game.

Definitely shooting and decision-making are the areas I’m working on the most. About the turnovers, I averaged 2.2 per game, and most of them come because I’m trying to make the extra pass instead of taking the shot myself. I always want to be unselfish, but my coaches remind me that sometimes I need to be more selfish and take the right scoring opportunities. It’s something I’m focused on improving this season.

You played at Barton County Community College (JUCO) averaging 8.2ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 38.0%, 3PT: 29.5%, FT: 83.7% and 10.0ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.6apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 62.9%. How tough was it playing JUCO? Was your ego challenged somewhat?

JUCO was a great experience for me. We played against a lot of D1-level guys, so the level was really strong. Practices were tough at first a lot of running and hard work but that made the games feel easier. I wouldn’t say my ego was really challenged. At first, I didn’t know what to expect, so I just focused on learning and improving. Overall, it was an excellent experience, and I’d definitely recommend it to other players looking to grow.

Every guy I have talked to and it has been 99% Americans have said JUCO was very tough, but a great decision in their careers. How was it for you?

Definitely, it was tough, a lot of running and conditioning but we had a great group of guys, a really good team, and I met a lot of great friends there. JUCO is hard because everyone is trying to move up to a higher level, like Division I or Division II, so it’s a real battle. Even though it was challenging, it was absolutely worth it.

You were a NJCAA D1 Plains District Finalist in 2023. What memories do you have of that run?

I still get a little mad thinking about that final game against Butler Community College. We had a nine or ten game winning streak, and during the regular season, we even beat Butler at home by 20. But in the finals, we lost by just a couple of points, which was a huge blow because it kept us out of the national tournament. I really feel that if we had won that district and made it to nationals, we could have gone pretty far.

How vital was head coach Jeremy Coombs for your basketball development in JUCO? How did he help your game most?

Jeremy Coombs was huge for me. He trusted me to guard the opposing team’s best players, which really boosted my confidence. At the same time, if I didn’t play well, he was very demanding, which pushed me to improve. He’s definitely one of the best coaches I’ve ever had.

You then played at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (NCAA 2 ) averaging 10.5ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 40.1%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 73.3% and :11.4ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 29.6%, FT: 69.6%. You showed your consistency. How did your game grow at the division 2 level?

I feel like I grew a lot as a leader and was able to show that I can lead a team. Consistency was also a big focus for me. In my first two years, I would have good games and then some bad ones, but in the last two years, I became much more consistent and reliable on the court.

You scored in double figures in 37 of 57 games and had many good showings. What do you remember being your fondest moment on the court?

I think one of my fondest moments was the first conference game at home last year against Black Hills State. It was really close, and I scored nine points in a row at the end to force overtime. Unfortunately, we lost, but we had so many great moments, especially beating ranked teams. Those wins were always fun and really memorable, so definitely playing well against top competition stands out as the fondest moments for me.

How did head coach Jeff Culver groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Culver has a ton of experience and has coached great players like Derek White, so he really knows what it takes to be a professional. He put me in different positions to help me succeed, pushed me when I needed it, and also gave me confidence when it was needed. I’m really thankful for his guidance, it definitely prepared me for the next step in my career.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jayden Washington?

Me not even close lol

You played your youth years with Tartu Ulikool. Do you remember having a coach that was like a mentor for you?

Maybe Priit Vene — he was my coach during the last couple of years before I went to the U.S. He taught me a lot, and even this past summer, when I was deciding where to play, I asked for his advice.

How is the state of Estonian youth basketball? What talents are coming up now that could make a name in the next years?

I think Estonian basketball is in a really good spot at the moment. In the B division, our U18 team came in second, and we have a lot of talent coming up. Right now, in the U.S., Stefan Vaaks and Henri Veesaar are probably the two most well-known Estonian players, but I think there’s a lot of promising talent across the board.

In 2017 you played a U-16 Euro game against Germany winning 68-61 and had 3 points. You played against future NBA players Franz Wagner and Ariel Huckporti. What memories do you have of that game?

I remember it being a really important game for us. Germany had a very talented team, so we knew it would be tough. We played really hard and gave everything, and in the end, we managed to get the win.

Do you watch Germany games and watch a guy like Franz Wagner closely? Despite him being German is he like a role model for you?

I actually really like the German national team and have watched a lot of their games in the Olympics and World Cup. Franz Wagner is one of my favorite players. I wouldn’t say he’s a role model for me, but I do really admire how he uses his skills when driving to the basket and the moves he has.

Franz Wagner scored 10 points in that game. If someone had told you in 2017 that he would become a very good NBA player averaging 20,0ppg 5 years later what would you have said?

I would’ve said they were crazy. Back then, he wasn’t that tall, and I don’t think people were really talking about him as an NBA prospect yet.

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

I would say Jason Edwards. He was really good and really quick, now he plays for Vanderbilt, and maybe one day he’ll make it to the NBA. Back then, he was extremely tough to defend and a really talented player.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

I will go with players who I played together with in the States.

Joseph Locandro

Myles Thompson

James Ellis

Will Becker

Cougar Downing

Please list your personal NBA and Estonian Mount Rushmore (5 best players ever)?

Curry, Kobe, MJ, LeBron, Shaq

Martin Muursepp

Maik Kalev Kotsar

Tiit Sokk

Kristjan Kangur

Aivar Kuusmaa

Who is your GOAT?

Kobe

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

I haven’t seen it but I guess I have to watch it now and tell you later

Thanks Hannes For The Chat

Nathan Cayo´s(Tartu)Versatility Was Born At Richmond Which Has Helped His Success Overseas

Nathan Cayo (201-F-1997, college: Richmond) is a 28 year old 201cm forward that has the Canadian/Haitian citizenship and playing his fourth professional season and first with Tartu Ulikool Maks & Moorits (KML). Last season he played with Manchester Basketball (United Kingdom-SLB) averaging 13.6ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 69.9%. In the 2023-2024 season he split time with the Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) averaging 1.4ppg, 1.0rpg, and in Mar.’24 signed with the Ontario Clippers (NBA G League) playing 4 games averaging 0.5ppg, 1.0rpg. He played his rookie season with Enea Abramczyk Astoria Bydgoszcz (Poland-EBL) averaging 8.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 70.2%. He also got added pro experience playing 4 seasons in the Canadian CEBL with the Montreal Alliance and Niagara River Lions. He began his basketball experience with Jean-De-Brebeuf College and then played at the University of Richmond form 2017-2022 playing a total of 123 55mes. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against the Rostock SeaWolves.

Thanks Nathan for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your fourth professional season for Tartu Ulikool Maks & Moorits (KML). After playing in Poland, Canada and England, now your in Estonia. Do you feel like a basketball globetrotter?

I do! I think year after year, especially for me the places I’ve gone too have been all so different, iI feel really blessed and fortunate to think that the same sport I played as a 5 year old has taken me to so many different places.

What have you learned to appreciate most about the Tartu Ulikool Maks & Moorits (KML) organization?

The professionalism has been great. It’s been top of the line in every aspect since I got here and I’m excited to get the season started.

Tartu is used to winning and you won the CEBL title the last 2 years. How hungry are you for new titles in Estonia?

I thrive off competition and always play to win. I approach everything step by step, and I focus on how everyday I can get better to perform at the highest level when it matters, so every game, one game at a time. This team was very close to winning last year and I’m hoping I can help them into getting it done this year.

You had your best season overseas in England last season. Do you see yourself being an impact player this season for Tartu Ulikool Maks & Moorits (KML)

I do! I think we have a great group of guys, and a staff that will put guys in the best position to impact winning. I feel like I’m able to do a lot of things that impact winning at a high level and I’m excited to be able to show that.

You’re a very versatile offensive player. How valuable has versatility been in your career and do you see your game being able to become even stronger with more experience that you get?

It’s been my calling card I believe. I’ve had lots of different roles on different teams and I’ve kind of used that to build myself into the player I am. I think its helped me to fit into a lot of different styles and still be as impactful. The beauty of this sport is you can always get better and I think I have a great opportunity this year to continue growing my game in specific aspects that I’m focused on growing.

Last season you played with Manchester Basketball (United Kingdom-SLB) averaging 13.6ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 69.9%. What kind of an experience was the UK? The SLB league seemed to cater very well for your game?

It was a tough year.Lots of ups and downs, struggled with injury a lot throughout the year and so the year didn’t pan out like I wanted, but in adversity there’s always an opportunity to build resilience and toughness. So it really helped me mentally to become robust and be able to handle myself and grow in tough times. The league was fun, it’s more of a North American style of play, very fast past, I enjoyed it.

You went back to the States in the 2023-2024 season splitting time with the Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) playing 9 games averaging 1.4ppg, 1.0rpg, in Mar.’24 signed at Ontario Clippers (NBA G League) playing 4 game averaging: 0.5ppg, 1.0rpg. How tough was this season? What did you learn from it?

This season wasn’t as tough basketball wise, it was more tough family wise. The main point of going to the G league was because we had a newborn baby and wanted to be close to home. So everything else was just extra. So for me it was more about having a job, becoming better as a player and person, everything else didn’t bother me too much cause my mind was more on the daily opportunity to get better and provide for my family.

Is a player lost in the G-League if one isn´t one of the players that the club is really focusing on? How does one mentally deal with knowing that one doesn´t really have any chance of reaching the NBA?

Hmm I would never say doesn’t have any chance. I think if you aren’t one of their guys, it’s important to understand what the g league is, and use it for your goals instead of letting it use you. For me, I had a clear plan and reason of why I wanted to be in the G league and so all the setbacks didn’t really affect me because I was using the G league to better myself, instead of having certain expectations and feeling used by the g league.

You played your rookie season with Enea Abramczyk Astoria Bydgoszcz (Poland-EBL) averaging 8.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 70.2%. 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 think as soon as I got there it was a wake up call haha. It was my first time ever in Europe, and the culture shock was extreme. Especially being in Poland, Eastern Europe is a hard place to go as a first experience because of how drastic the culture shock is. But again, it was a great opportunity to grow and learn stuff that I carry to this day.

You played your first 2 pro seasons in Canada for with the Montreal Alliance (CEBL) averaging 12.2ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT-1 (50.0%), FT: 57.6% and 14.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 74.5%. What memories do you have of these 2 summers? Your game needed no adjustment from the NCAA?

I have really great and dark memories of those 2 summers. It was my first pro experience, it was my first time playing in front of family and friends in over 6-7 years so it was great in that sense. But it also taught me the hard way about the not so fun parts pf the business of basketball. And so although it was hard and I learned the hard way, I´m still grateful for those experiences and how it helped me grow. My game needed a lot of adjustment. Playing division 1 NCAA and playing against pros in night and day. Everyday you are competing against grown man who do this for a living, who are all the 1% of the !% so it needed a lot of adjustments, mostly physically.

You then played 2 seasons with the Niagara River Lions (Canada-CEBL) averaging 13.5ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 34.3%, FT: 64.5% and 9.8ppg, 5.5rpg, 3.0apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 46.8%, 3PT: 25.3%, FT: 58.8%. You won 2 CEBL titles in a row. Which one was sweeter?

Its really hard to answer that question, The first one I was leaving my hometown team, and taking a leap of faith. Received a lot of backlash for leaving, and the championship weekend was IinMontreal. So winning there, in front of friends and family, it being Niagara’s first championship, my wife, son, my family being there, it´s hard to beat. I think this year was a lot harder. Lots of injuries, uncertainty and even wanting to stop for the summer, so it was harder but the first one was probably sweeter.

You played at the University of Richmond (NCAA) from 2017-2022 playing a total of 155 games. You reached March Madness and the NIT Elite 8. How blessed were you to play there? Were these some of the best times in your life?

It was a blessing, met some friends that became brothers, we made history in the tournament, beat some great programs, did a lot. Playing wise my game kind of shifted to something that wasn’t me, so that helped me gain a lot of versatility but made me lose some love for the game. So I kind of had to regain that love as a pro and getting back to playing how I love, but in terms of memories, I for sure created some of the best memories in my life.

What memories do you have of those weeks in March beating Davidson to win the Atlantic title and then beating Iowa State and losing to Providence?

It kind of felt like a fever dream, like an out of body experience. When you’re a player in it, you kind of have to take it one day at a time and you don’t really realize till after how amazing what you’ve accomplished as a group is. But it felt like we were in a movie.

You were teammates with Jacob Gilyard who played in Germany last season. Are you guys like brothers? What was so special having him on the team?

Yeah that’s my brother for sure. We came into Richmond the same year, he’s known me for over a decade now, grew from boys to men so that is definitely my brother for life. He’s just a special player. He’s understanding of the game, his ability to impact the game in so many aspect at his size, his ability to read plays before it happens. He doesn’t get enough credit, but he’s a generational talent. The things he’s able to do at his size, and just him being able to prove people wrong his entire life, at literally EVERY level, from the nba to when he was a kid. It’s legendary stuff.

How did head coach Chris Mooney groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

When I decided to come back for my 5th year (covid) alongside 4 other teammates, we basically approached that season as a professional season, because for a few of us, it would’ve been our first year pro. So just the business like approach to that season really helped for my first year pro.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Tyler Burton?

Hmmi dont really remember playing him 1v1 but probably me. I don’t lose 1v1’s. Asked Jacob Gilyard he’ll confirm lol.

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

Obi Toppin probably. I think I’ve faced other players that maybe were more talented or harder to guard but their game didn’t really translate to the NBA. But obi toppin ´sphysically was just on a whole different planet for the college level. I mean he’s probably top 10 most athletic in the NBA right now so you can imagine how it was in college lol.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Jacob Gilyard, Grant Golden, Luguentz Dort, Khalil Ahmad, Omari Moore (no order)

Please list your personal NBA and Estonian Mount Rushmore (5 best players ever)?

NBA: MJ, Kobe, Jokic, Lebron, Steph Curry (no order)

Estonian I need a couple months to do some more research haha

Who is your GOAT?

Jokic or Lebron, I cant decide yet since they’re both still playing

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

Naa never watched it

Thanks Nathan for the chat.

Versatile Leonard Hampl Leads 0-6 TKS 49ers To Upset 83-78 Victory over The Dragons Rhondorf For First Win Of Season

The up and down play of the Dragons Rhondorf continued as they returned home into their living room with a tough 89-74 loss in Westerstede. Once again, they didn´t shoot particulary well from down town and worse of all were clobbered on the offensive glass. They next faced the winless 0-6 TKS 49ers from Stahnsdorf. They were a team that had massive problems scoring the ball as they only averaged 63 points per game and allowed way too many with 88 points. This was a must win for the Dragons Rhondorf as they wanted to start another winning streak. On a very mild early November day, The 8th team Dragons Rhondorf faced #13 TKS 49ers and after 40 minutes, the Dragons learned that the game is never over until the fat lady sings and that buzzer sounds. The Dragons Rhondorf played a solid first half and led by 13 points, but in the second half the TKS 49ers turned the game around and lost the lead again in the fourth quarter, but pulled out the win in crunch-time 83-78. The team was led by versatile big man Leonard Hampl (202-C-2001) who had a 20/5/8 game and gave the Dragons problems all day long in the paint area with his physicality and body mass. But all in all it was a total team effort as the team wanted that first win of the season on the road. “Everyone played for each other. We fell apart the last 2 games for about 10 minutes, but today we put it all together for 40 minutes. We trusted each other, played good defense in the second half and hit shots. We played beautiful basketball at times and nobody gave up”, warned TKS 49er Leonard Hampl. The Dragons Rhondorf played a solid first half, but in the second half lost consistency and couldn´t cope with the 49ers zone and lost a game that they should of won. “I have to give them credit that they fought hard for 40 minutes, but if we would of played our game, then we would of won. We were up by 13 points at the break, but in the second half couldn´t play our systems the way we should of. We didn´t defend physically anymore in the second half. We rebounded very well for 40 minutes though”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf forward Duje Dujmovic.

Carl Peters from outside

Both teams found their offensive rhythm well in the first quarter as the TSK 49ers tried to find their big Leonard Hampl inside while the Dragons Rhondorf played inside out basketball getting a trey from Dujmovic and lay in from American Juhwan Harris-Dyson while the guests got 2 baskets in the pain from Hamplt, but the game was dead locked at 9-9. 16 year old German Dusan Ilic did a good job with the playmaking registering 3 assists early. The Dragons marched out on a 6-0 run getting a lay up from young German David Bonning and a 15 footer from the Spanish wizard Jorge Mejias to lead 15-9. But the TKS 49ers practiced the first run of the contest scoring 11 points and giving up only 4 to lead 20-19. In the run, it was 20 year old German Carl Peters who led the charge with 6 points being aggressive and attacking the rim scoring and making free throws. The Dragons Rhondorf forced a little too much and lost rhythm, but ended the first quarter with the lead of 21-20 as Mejias made a jumper. “The game was even, but it took us some time to get our rhythm. We went to zone and then found our flow on offense”, stated Leonard Hampl. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 46% from the field and 22% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 8 turnovers while the TKS 49ers shot 38% from the field and 0% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

Dusan Ilic at the FT line

The Dragons Rhondorf broke open the game in the second quarter as they finally found consistency with their outside shooting and led by 13 points at half-time. Both teams bigs with Benjamin Sadikovic who entered the game averaging 2 blocks per game made a lay in as did Hampl as the Dragons led 23-22. But then came the first turning point of the game as the Dragons Rhondorf marched out on a brutal 16-3 run to lead 39-25. In the run, the Dragoons shared the ball beautifully getting 3 three pointers from young German Fynn Dobiecki, Dujmovic and Mejias. Mejias and Dujmovic also added lay in´s as the TKS 49ers were quickly in the hole. Defensively the Dragons Rhondorf heightened their aggressiveness and had better 1-1 defense. Dragons head coach Max Becker didn´t shy from playing anyone as 10 guys had scored up to half time including 16 year Malik Idbihi who made his first Pro B points of his career under the watchful eyes of papa Yassin as Rhondorf led 41-32. “I was relieved that I made the basket, because I had missed the first one. I stayed with it. It was a cool feeling”, smiled Malik Idbihi. The Dragons Rhondorf kept up the pressure and kept scoring as Lagui Diallo gave his usual energy and efficiency from the bench with 5 points while Mejias also scored a lay in. But the TKS 49ers had many talented guys giving their 2 cents in the comeback and one of those was 24 year old Lukas Wagner who has more than 100 Pro B games on his resume scored 2 buckets at close range to keep the guests in the game, but they did trail 50-37 after 20 minutes. “We played zone and they found cracks and started making three´s. In basketball it can go quickly once you hit one three, more continue. We had some good looks on offense, but didn´t hit them”, commented Leonard Hampl. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 49% from the field and 30% from the three point line and had 28 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the TKS 49ers shot 32% from the field and still had the big goose egg from the three point line and had 16 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Jeno Pildner at the FT line

In the third quarter, the TKS 49ers did the seemingly the impossible staging a massive comeback taking it step by step and having the 5 point lead after 30 minutes producing a brutal 31-13 scoring quarter. The TKS 49ers didn´t waste any time coming out of the break going on a rapid 6-2 run to trail 52-43. In the run, the guests continued to attack the rim getting lay in´s from ex Ehingen German Jeno Pildner, ex Olney Central College (JUCO) center Benjamin Faatz and Hampl. The Dragons Rhondorf continued to execute on offense and kept the double digit lead of 58-46 as Ilic and Mejias both hit floaters and Harris Dyson made a thunderous dunk on transition. But the game then suddenly swung in the direction of the guests as they shocked the Dragons Rhondorf with a lethal 23-5 run to lead 69-63 after 3 quarters. The 49ers didn´t have any luck with their outside shooting in the first half, but it then suddenly rained three´s as Lucas Wagner found his touch nailing 3 three´s after coming into the game shooting 33% from the parking lot while also adding a lay in and Carlo Meyer also connected from outside. The TKS 49ers were able to hold their intensity at both ends and the Dragons Rhondorf were unable to match it and had awful 1-1 defense. “At the break we asked ourselves who cares if were down by 13 points. We have to keep playing and we are good enough to come back. We trusted each other and played team basketball and our outside shots finally fell. We played good zone and rebounded better. We also stepped up our 1-1 defense”, warned Leonard Hampl. “They played very well. Hampl passed the ball well and we felt like we had to make floor smaller. That open up opportunities for their shooters. We didn´t respect their shooting and allowed them open looks”, expressed Duje Dujmovic. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 61% from the 2 point area and 27% from the parking lot and had n35 rebounds and 16 turnovers while the TKS 49ers shot 55% from the 2 point area and shot 25% from the parking lot and had 27 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Juhwan Harris-Dyson with the lay in

In the fourth quarter the Dragons Rhondorf rallied back and regained the lead, but couldn´t hold it as the TKS 49ers snatched the lead back and would never lose it again. Pildner began the fourth quarter with a lay in getting the perfect back door pass from Hampl who dished out his 7th dime of the game. Hampl displayed excellent passing for the total 40 minutes and often made such risky passes, but they always reached it´s destination. He couldn´t explain after the game where he got his keen passing skills from. “I just like to pass the ball. I´m lucky to have shooters who can make shots and many create cuts making it easier for me. Passing is simply less stressful for me and that is why I like it”, smiled Leonard Hampl. After Ilic free throws, it was Lucas Wagner who made a lay up for the 73-65 49ers lead. There was still some life with the Dragons Rhondorf as they didn´t want to go out without a fight. They came together stringing along a timely 10-0 run to grab the lead back at 75-72. Dusan Ilic with his potent playmaking and Mejias scoring led the charge back upping the tempo as Mejias scored twice with his classic mid range game while Harris-Dyson scored inside and Sadikovic connected on free throws. But the game proved again that basketball will always be a game of runs and all it took was one more fierce punch and that came from the TKS 49ers who put a lid on the game with a 11-3 run to win the game. Wagner tied the game at 75-75 with free throws and then took the lead again with another Wagner trey 78-75. On defense, they somehow still had some kind of energy in their tank and gave that one last push on defense with aggressive on ball defense that stifled the Dragons to bad shots. Hampl added a trey for good measure, only his third attempt this season for the 81-75 lead as the Dragons were deep in the hole with 1,55 to play, but still only a 2 possession game. But the guests managed the time well and even if the Dragons trailed only 81-78 with 36 seconds to play, the 49ers made their best possession of the game on the last one taking 22 seconds off clock and Carl Peters hit the deadly 20 footer to seal the win. “We played crunch time really well. Our zone worked well and we rebounded well allowing no second chances. We really wanted the win and fought for each other until the buzzer sounded”, said Leonard Hampl. “They defended well and we didn´t get the looks that we wanted. We are a young team and will learn from this. We have to realize that we have to play until the end. A game has 40 minutes”, warned Duje Dujmovic. The TKS 49ers were led by Lukas Wagner with 22 points. Leonard Hampl added 20 points and Carlo Meyer 13 points while the Dragons Rhondorf were led by Jorge Mejias with 21 points and Dusan Ilic added 11 points. The TKS 49ers shot 41% from the field and 27% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 15 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 41% from the field and 27% from outside and had 48 rebounds and 18 turnovers.

Kyle Castlin Found A Drving Lane And Then It Was As Easy As 1,2,3 As He Leads The Giessen 46ers to 76-74 Victory Over Bochum.

The up and down play of the Giessen 46ers continued the last weeks as they returned back home after a brutal 106-82 loss in Crailsheim. A big problem with the 2-3 Giessen 46ers was their defensive results as they had allowed 100 points or more twice at home. For being one of the top 5 candidates to move up to the easyCredit BBL next season, the slow start of Giessen had cause for concern. Things didn´t get any easier as 3-2 team VFL Sparkassenstars Bochum arrived in Giessen. They had some vital wins against teams that they had to beat with Pro A newcomers Leverkussen and the RheinStars and had tough losses against Crailsheim and Munster. They have shown in the early going that they can put up a lot of points, but also defended well in a few games keeping the newcomers under 73 points. It was not an easy task for Giessen to muster, but they needed a win to reach 500. On a surprising mild rainy day in November, the fans in the Giessen 46ers didn´t see a pretty game, but moreover an ugly game that displayed 54 fouls, but in the end, it was American Kyle Castlin (193-G-1996, college: Xavier) that came up big in the clutch making the winning shot and leading Giessen to the 76-74 win. “It was a tight game throughout. We didn´t do a good job making shots, but played well on defense. We had guys making big shots at the end. We did a good job guarding the three point line well and not letting them shoot the way they know how”, stressed Giessen 46er guard Kyle Castlin. The VFL Sparkassenstars Bochum fought hard for 40 minutes, but in the last minutes lost control of the game, a game they should of probably won. “I feel like we played well for 38-39 minutes. I feel like we did a good job forcing them to tough shots and slowing them down. We also executed pretty well on offense. We got a little nervous at the end and little mistakes cost us the game, a game we should of won”, stressed VFL Sparkassenstars Bochum guard Niklas Geske.

Antonio Williams at the FT line

The Giessen 46ers didn´t waste anytime in the first few minutes cruising out to a rapid 7-2 lead. Ex German national player Robin Benzing connected on his first 3 point attempt and also got a lay in from Slovakian guard Simon Krajcovic and a lay in from Kyle Castlin. Giessen got a good offensive rhythm going early sharing the ball well while the guests offense was static. However it didn´t take Bochum long to get out of their funk as they turned the game around escaping on a 9-0 run to lead 11-7. In the run, they were aggressive getting to the free throw line and shot incredible well from the 2 point range as their three´s weren´t falling. Bochum got a lay in from ex Kent State (NCAA) guard Antomnio Williams and dunk from Malek Green who once scored 50 points in Vietnam. The game then remained tight until the end of the first quarter as it became the Kyle Castlin show. The American in one span made 10 of the Giessen 11 points and simply had the game in control. Bochum continued to have difficulty sinking three´s so they remained close to the basket getting lay in´s from German Niklas Geske and a lay in from Green, but Giessen led 24-23 after 10 minutes. Giessen shot really well from the 2 point range at 75%, but only 29% from outside while Bochum was at 82% from the 2 point range and 0/5 from outside. The rebounds were dead locked at 7-7 as were the turnovers at 2-2. “We always try to set the tone right away. I always try to be aggressive in any way at both ends. That’s funny but you could say I was on pace for near to 60 points. But all that mattered to me was the win”, stressed Kyle Castlin.

Robin Benzing at the FT line

In the second quarter the Giessen 46ers were in control, but couldn´t really shake Bochum as Bochum always found a way to come back even when they trailed by 7 points. At the break, Giessen only had the slim 42-41 advantage. Giessen held the lead due to their aggressive defense and being aggressive on offense and getting to the free throw line. Krajcovic did a good job getting to the free throw line while ex Bremerhaven guard Daniel Norl made a lay in. Bochum got some lay in´s from ex Phoenix Hagen Germans Geske and Jonas Grof as the team three´s continued to stand at 0 and Giessen led 33-27. Giessen continued to keep the lead thanks to great energy from Canadian guard Aiden Warnholtz who made a reverse lay up and free throws for the 37-30 lead. But Bochum continued to find their spots in the paint as their three´s continued not to fall as Williams made a lay up and Geske an off balance shot to trail 39-38. Castlin continued to be on fire and found his spots well making a lay in and free throw for the 42-38 advantage. On Bochum´s last possession, they finally connected for their first three pointer of the game from ex Southeastern Louisiana University guard Matthew Strange hit as they were 1/10 at the break from downtown as Giessen led 42-41. Giessen shot only 15% from outside and were only at 53% from the 2 point range while Bochum was at 68%. Bochum had the slim 19-16 rebound edge, but 6 turnovers while Bochum had 4 turnovers. “We did a good job guarding the three point line. We let up more 2 pointers, but better than 3 pointers. We have to build on that”, warned Kyle Castlin.

Matthew Strange at the FT line

In the third quarter the Giessen 46ers continued to manage the lead well and led by as much as 9 points, but once again weren´t able to keep the big lead, but allowed the VFL Sparkassenstars Bochum to retaliate and steal the lead back at 61-60 after 30 minutes. Green and Warnholtz traded baskets as Giessen had the 44-43 advantage. Giessen then exploded for a 10-2 run as they were in the flow as ex Skyliner Warnholtz had the hot hand with 5 points while Castlin made a trey and Benzing free throws as Giessen had their biggest lead of the game at 54-45. Bochum lost some focus on offense getting away from the collective game and veered towards 1-1 action. But Bochum found back to their game going on a 11-3 run to trail 57-56. Niklas Geske led Bochum in the run as he connected twice as they finally found their touch from the parking lot while American Myreon Jones made a lay in. Giessen lost offensive rhythm while Bochum´s aggressive on ball defense forced some turnovers. Krajcovic added a lay in as his speed was tough to stop, but Bochum kept executing well and took the momentum from their run to the end as ex Radford (NCAA) forward Dravon Mangum made a lay in and Geske another trey. “We were at eye level with them. We noticed that they were focused after some tough loses. We defended very well switching a lot which gave them a lot of problems”, stated Niklas Geske. “We were in foul problems and weren´t hitting shots. They were very aggressive and didn´t let us play our game”, stated Kyle Castlin. The VFL Sparkassenstars Bochum shot 53% from the 2 point area and 29% from the parking lot and had 29 rebounds and 7 turnovers while the Giessen 46ers shot 46% from the 2 point range and 24% from the parking lot and had 27 rebounds and 7 turnovers.

Kyle Castin with the lay in

In the fourth quarter, the VFL Sparkassenstars Bochum dictated the game as both teams punched, but Giessen couldn´t get over the hump. As crunch time arrived, they finally got over the hump, but couldn´t hold the momentum as they allowed Bochum to come back again, but Kyle Castlin had other ideas in the last minute propelling Giessen to the win. Robin Benzing wanted the ball more and more in the first minutes as he scored twice, but Bochum always punched back getting a turn around shot from Jonas Grof and a lay in from Greek guard Marios Giotis to lead 67-64. Giessen kept attacking and got a lay in from Castlin and a clutch trey from Benzing who finally found his touch again as he had a very cold day from the parking lot shooting only 3/13 for the 69-68 advantage. However that lead was short lived as Bochum found to their bread and butter again nailing consecutive three´s from Williams and Geske to lead 74-69 with 2,33 to play. But Giessen stayed tough and found good shots as Castlin made a lay in to trail 74-71. Giessen stepped up their offense and forced tough shots which led to a stop which led to a trey from Benzing to dead lock the game at 74-74 with 1,09 to play. Giessen then stopped Williams which led to a Castlin lay in for the 76-74 lead with 10 seconds to play. “I came down and wanted to run a set, but they got confused and I just did it myself. I found a driving lane and that lay in was pretty simple”, smiled Kyle Castlin. Bochum had one last possession, but Giessen packed the paint and made a real team stop denying Green and Grof. “We were in the huddle and wanted to get that last stop. It had been an ugly game. We had great protection on the rim. Many guys stepped up on defense at the end”, warned Kyle Castlin. “The gym was quiet when we led 74-69. We got nervous at the end. We made little mistakes and missed easy lay ups. We should of won this game”, added Niklas Geske. The Giessen 46ers were led by Kyle Castlin with 26 points while Robin Benzing added 14 points and Aiden Warnholtz had 12 points while the VFL Sparkassenstars Bochum were led by Niklas Geske with 18 points while Malek Green had 15 points. The Giessen 46ers shot 37% from the field and 28% from outside and ahd 40 rebounds and 10 turnovers while Bochum shot 42% from the field and 33% from outside and had 41 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

The Miles Vs Toru Dean Weekly Basketball Conversation Volume 4

Congrats Toru on the big 92-76 win against Lichterfelde. The team stays unbeaten. Does a win still feel as good as the first one? How do you guys keep it going?

Thanks! Yeah, winning never gets old. Every game is different, and we know teams are coming after us now, so we’ve got to stay focused. We just try to keep the same energy every week stay hungry, stay humble, and keep working.

Talk a little about the 40 minutes. Was the game as easy as the score makes it look?

Definitely not. Lichterfelde played tough and kept us on our toes early. We had to grind it out to find our rhythm. The score looks comfortable, but we had to earn it with defense and hustle.

How good does it feel not just to win, but to win by 15 when the team didn’t shoot great from three or at the line? Was this one won on defense and rebounding?

For sure. That’s what makes this win feel good-we didn’t shoot the ball well, but we still found a way. We locked in on defense, got stops, and crashed the boards hard. That’s how good teams win when shots aren’t falling.

What did you think of Emanuelk Mpacko’s performance? He dropped 29 and seemed unstoppable at times.

Man, he was on fire. He found his spots early and stayed aggressive. When a guy’s feeling it like that, you just feed him the ball and let him go to work.

The starting five had a great game, but the bench only added six points. Is that something the team’s thinking about?

Not in a negative way. Our bench guys are working hard every day and their time’s coming. It’s a long season-everyone’s going to have chances to step up. We’ve got full confidence in our whole roster.

You had another all-around game with 21 points, 6 boards, 5 assists, 3 steals, and a block. Do you think your versatility rubs off on your teammates?

I hope so. I just try to do a bit of everything to help us win. When everyone sees that kind of effort, it pushes us all to be more active and engaged. That’s when we’re at our best-when everybody’s doing a little bit of everything.

You went 1-for-5 from deep. Getting up some extra shots in practice this week?

Always. That’s part of the daily routine, but yeah, I’ll definitely get a few more up. It’s all about rhythm and confidence, it’ll come back.

Next game’s on Halloween against Charlottenburg both teams unbeaten. What’s the key to pulling out another win?

It’s gonna be a battle. They play hard and smart, so we’ll have to bring our best. Defense, rebounding, and staying composed will be huge. If we play our game and stay connected, we like our chances.

What was your favorite Halloween moment as a kid?

Probably running around the neighborhood with friends trying to get the most candy. We took it way too seriously back then! Just good times, costumes, candy, and a sugar rush that lasted all night.