NCAA

That Wasn´t Steph Curry But Brandon Rush(BC Komarno) Netting 53 Points and Making 13 Three´s In A Game

Scoring 30 plus points is a massive feat in any league overseas and it is done more often than not, Scoring 40 plus points on the other hand doesn´t happen as often at least not in many top leagues in Europe. For example the record in Germany in the easycredit BBL dates back to 1988 when Keith Gray scored 65 points. But since 2000, there have only been 6 players to score 40 plus points. From 2003-2022, there were no games with 40 points or more, but in the 2023-2024 season 2 guys scored 40 with 42 Jonathan Stove and Otis Livingston. In lower leagues, you will see guys doing this every so often. However reaching that incredible 50 plus plateau is one where if a guy does achieve it, he in a class of his own. Last week a player in Slovakia netted 53 points with Brandon Rush (190-G, college: YSU). No it wasn´t the former NBA player Brandon Rush who won the NCAA title in 2008 with Kansas and wasn´t back to his old tricks, but another Brandon Rush by the same name. Rush was playing only his fourth pro game in Slovakia for BC Komarno. Scoring 53 points was one monumental part of that game, but his high flying performance also had another flavor to it all in that he dropped an amazing 13 three´s. Not only scoring 53 points in a pro game is rare, but making 13 three´s just as much. Not many pro´s can tell their grand-children that they scored 50 plus points and hit as many three´s in a game as possibly the greatest shooter of all-time with Steph Curry who did it in 2017 against the Pelicans. Rush had no idea about tying Curry until I told him. “That is crazy. I did not know that. I was just happy to beat my personal best with 10”, said Brandon Rush.

The Ohio native had a weak third game in Slovakia scoring 3 points on 1/5 shooting. To be able and rebound like that in the next game and score 50 points more shows just what is possible in game of basketball. “After coming off of a 3 point game my mentality was just to improve and do better than I did in that performance. I wanted to hit my shots, make plays on offense and defense and just overall exceed my potential and I did just that by scoring 53 points”, stressed Brandon Rush. He got going pretty early, but couldn´t have done it without the support of his teammates. “That day, along with every day I believed anything was capable of going in as long as I have God on my side. I think how my teammates supported me at halftime and hyped me up made me realize what a monumental moment that was for my career”, stated Brandon Rush. Of course it was vital that he continued to grind in the lab the week before the game, but a coaching change didn´t hurt either. “. We actually got a new coach that week in training and did new drills and this for sure helped. He also helped change the dynamic of the team a significant amount and helped us play with much more self-confidence”, commented Brandon Rush. Was the new born sniper even aware how many points he had in the fourth quarter? “To be honest, I had no idea how many points I had. I’m sure there was people counting but I was unaware until after the game when my teammate Nuke came up to me and yelled and said I had just scored 53 points”, commented Brandon Rush. The most points that he had score before his 53 point explosion was 36 points in a NCAA game against Wagner. Can he describe how tough it truly is to score 53 points? “I did all of the hard work my whole life to be able to do what I did. Once I got in a rhythm everything just came so naturally and I started playing with a different type of confidence. This was the biggest moment in my life. It is a surreal part and memory I can have forever”, added Brandon Rush. So will he have the duty of having to take his teammates out to eat? “I will for sure have to buy my teammates dinner or something. I would not have had that success without them so I owe that accomplishment to them in a way”, warned Brandon Rush. The rookie is thrilled about playing for BC Komarno and surely the fans will accept to see many more great games by him this season. “It could not be more of a positive experience so far. For such a small city everyone is so supportive and so welcoming to me which makes it so much easier to just play with ease and feel like I’m at home”, said Brandon Rush. He also didn´t have to wait long for his first overseas wake up call in Slovakia. “My wake up call that I was far from home was just my first week that I got here. Just the different culture and different time zones was a shock for me but Komarno could not have made it any easier for me with their hospitality and helpfulness for being a foreigner”, remembered Brandon Rush.

The 190cm guard who lists Tyrese Naxey from the University of Kentucky as his toughest opponent so far in his basketball career and Dwayne Cohill (YSU), Malek Green (YSU), Josh Irwin (YSU), Adrian Nelson (YSU) and Elijah Williams (FDU as his 5 best teammates of all-time began his basketball career with Warrensville Heights High School averaging 20ppg, 6rpg, 2apg. He then played at Fairleigh Dickinson University playing a total of 76 NCAA games in 3 years. In his freshman year he averaged 4.8ppg, 1.2rpg, but his game really took off in his last 2 seasons as he averaged 14.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 73.9%and 14.2ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 46.7%, 3PT: 29.6%, FT: 83.5%. “My second year there FDU taught me how to work with talented players around me and my third year there taught me how to handle the pressure of being the number one option on the team”, said Brandon Rush. One of his fondest moments was netting 36 points against Wagner where he showed his explosive scoring ability. “For me the most everlasting memory that comes from this is stopping them from winning the regular season and knowing that I had a big part in doing so”, added Brandon Rush. In his last 2 years he scored in doubles figures in 35 of 48 games and also scored 34 points against SFC. He then moved to Youngstown State University (NCAA) averaging 13.9ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 60.4%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 79.4% and 11.7ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 52.3%, 3PT: 32.2%, FT: 83.7%. He was very consistent once again and really benefited in the system of head coach Jerrod Calhoun. “Playing at Youngstown State University under Coach Calhoun matured me as a player in my years there. I learned how to become the scorer I am today at YSU and playing there taught me how to see and read the game like I never knew before”, remembered Brandon Rush. One of his greatest moments there was Reaching the NIT, but losing to Oklahoma State. “We had a home game against Oklahoma State. Even though we did not win and it put an end to the season, to this day it is the best atmosphere in basketball I have ever played in. I get chills thinking about it. I still rewatch videos from that game to reminisce the feeling of the whole community coming out in support of us that day”, said Brandon Rush. He scored in double figures in 44 of 66 games and scored 32 points against Ohio Christian and 30 points against Oakland. He was a All-Horizon League Third Team member in 2023.

The ex NCAA player who has Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Stephen Curry on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore and Lebron James as his GOAT wants to continue to showcase his unique skills and consistency in Slovakia. He is an aggressive guard that has similarities in his game to a Damien Lillard. He was so consistent in the NCAA and it´s no secret that he wants that to continue at the pro level. “I believe that my consistency in the NCAA came from all of my hard work that I did all throughout my career since I stepped on the court. I would not be where I am today without all of the hours of hard work and trainers I had that pushed me and most importantly my father”, warned Brandon Rush. But it isn´t only his scoring, rebounding and shooting that stands out, but he is a very athletic player that can also be an impact player on the defensive end. “Right now I am a good on ball defender and I am striving to become a better off ball defender and be more aware and work on that side of defense”, said Brandon Rush. His three pointer has always been a work in progress, but after shooting 13/17 from down town, he is now sprouting with unending self-confidence. “Yes, my three-pointer shot is always a work in progress. It can always improve. There is always room to get better and up the stats. I think going 13/17 from three that game just set my standard that I should strive to reach each and every game now”, stressed Brandon Rush. He continues to be very focused and always in the lab. He knows exactly what he needs to improve right now so he can make the next step in his game. “Right now in my game, I would say my focus is on making the right passes at the right times and my decision making. Those are two aspects I can improve on, along with making my teammates better each and every day”, warned Brandon Rush. It will be interesting to see how his rookie season continues and where his journey will continue in the next years. One thing is for sure, he will surely continue to climb the basketball ladder up to higher levels. He can also be very blessed to not only be playing the game he loves, but live with the fact that he once scored 50 plus points game and has made as many three´s as Steph Curry. It will definitely never be boring when he is telling stories at family gatherings.

TreShawn Thurman(BC Wolves Vilnius) Has Been Underrated His Whole Life And Continues To Be Hungry To Get Better

Tre’Shawn Thurman (201-F-1995, college: Nevada) is a 28 year old 201cm forward that was born in San Diego, California and grew up in Nebraska. He is playing his fifth professional season and second season with the BC Wolves Vilnius. Last season he averaged 10.0ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 81.3%; and in the Eurocup averaged 14.3ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 54.6%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 81.5%. In the 2022-2023 season he came overseas and played with Filou Oostende averaging 8.0ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 37.6%, FT: 78.6%; in the BNXT league and in the BCL averaged 15.7ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT-3 (56.4%), FT: 91.3% He played his first 2 pro seasons in the G-League with teams Grand Rapids Drive (NBA G League) averaging 7.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 62.5% and with the Stockton Kings (NBA G League) averaging 6.2ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 63.9%. He began his basketball career at Omaha Central High School and then played at the University of Nebraska at Omaha from 2014-2017. In his last 2 seasons he averaged 13.9ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 58.0%, 3PT: 27.7%, FT: 64.5% and 13.8ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 67.3%. He played his senior year at the The University of Nevada (NCAA) averaging 8.2ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 62.4%, 3PT: 26.4%, FT: 79.2%- He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against ratiopharm Ulm.

Thanks Treshawn for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?

I feel pretty good physically and mentally. Basketball has been great and it´s an exciting time.

Your playing a Eurocup game in Germany soon. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball? Have you had teammates that have balled in Germany in the past?

I don´t know too much about the country honestly except for what they taught us in school. I haven´t had too many guys that have played there, but I know it´s a great place for basketball and they care about it. And I know that they have very passionate fans.

Your playing your sixth professional season and second with Lithuanian club BC Wolves. The team is only in it´s third year of existence. How exciting is it playing with this so young Organization?

It´s very exciting. We have a chance to put our own stamp on the program and build it´s resume. We want to sculpt it in a way we want it to be.

Last season with the BC Wolves you averaged 10.0ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 81.3% and in the Eurocup averaged 14.3ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 54.6%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 81.5%. How did your game grow in the Eurocup season? Was this the best basketball you have played as a pro?

I don´t know if it was my best basketball ever, but best in recent years. My game grew off confidence and opportunity. I put in the work and I believe that I can compete with any player in the universe.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 201cm center. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would fit the description best?

I think I´m a bit like Draymond Green. Some have said I have some Michael Beasley.

You’re a player that can fill the stat sheet with ease. What would you call your biggest strength on the court?

My biggest strength is my versatility. I think that that changes the game dramatically how my coach coaches me and how the opposing coach defends me. Versatility is something you can´t be taught.

How would you classify yourself as a defender? How have you grown as a defender since your G-League years?

My defense has grown dramatically since then. I always cared about defense and took the utmost respect in it. My IQ and intensity has grown a lot since I came to Europe. I also understand how much effort you continuously need on the mental side. I want to be that player that coach puts on the other team´s best player. I believe that I can be that player.

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

Patience, seeing things 2-3 things ahead, and being a good teammate and being more vocal. I´m a leader that also knows how to be patient.

Last season with the BC Wolves, you stroked home 31 points in 32 minutes in an exciting 90-88 win over Besiktas. How exciting do you remember the game and was it one of your best pro games?

That was definitely one of my best games in my history. I think that it was top 2 for sure. Things that I remember were that the fans were electric and it was our first Eurocup win as an organization. I had faith during the ups and downs of the game that we would win. Luckly I found a rhythm and I was able to stay locked in and I believe that no matter what the score is, I always believe that we can win.

In the 2022-2023 season you played with Filou Oostende (Belgium-Pro Basketball League) averaging 8.0ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 45.9%, 3PT: 37.6%, FT: 78.6% in the BNXT league and in the BCL averaged 15.7ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT-3 (56.4%), FT: 91.3%. You won the BNXT title. What was so special about that team?

That club has a rich history and they accepted me with open arms. We were just an experienced team and a good mix of young and older guys. We had really good vets. We had a 40 year old veteran in Dusan Djordjevic from Serbia who was a legend who played 12 years for them and won 18 titles. We had good vets who taught the younger guys much and a great coach who understood passion and what it took to win a title.

What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas for the first time in Belgium where you knew you were far away from home?

Just not being able to read things on signs and buildings. I had to use google maps every time on my phone and I remember that parking was really hard to understand.

You played your first 2 pro seasons in the G-League and as a rookie with the Grand Rapids Drive (NBA G League) averaging 7.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 62.5%. You averaged 16 minutes as a rookie, but your minutes and stats picked up in the second half of the season. What was the toughest thing for you mentally to accept about the G-League grind?

Just understanding that if you were given the minutes, you were able to show what you had. But you had to realize that sometimes, it just wasn´t your turn. It´s the same in the NBA. But just sitting there and waiting for my turn was tough, because I knew I could help my team. Sometimes you just have to take a back seat. Then you have to realize that when you aren´t playing, what are you going to do to become better?

In your second season you played with the Stockton Kings (NBA G League) averaging 6.2ppg, 4.7rpg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 63.9%. You averaged 3 minutes more, but didn´t seem to have huge offensive role. What did you learn about the G-League that shows the NBA is always a business first?

The NBA is definitely a business first. It was just a tough time as I was also dealing with some issues off the court. You just have to understand that sometimes your just not in the right place. But that ok. It happens.

You played 3 seasons at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (NCAA) and averaged 13,0ppg in your last 2 seasons. What kind of an experience was that for you?

I was at home and I felt like I was doing things for where I came from which was a passion thing that I really wanted to do. I was able to show my game. We beat some high major teams something that the school had never done. We also got to the conference championship as well something that had never happened there before. I was always an underrated player and still think I am today. I just don´t get the certain respect that I do. So being able to show what I could do against top schools and players was great.



You had many great games at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (NCAA) like 30 points against UMKC or 20 points against Montana State in a exciting 100-97 win. What was your fondest moment there?

I just loved the people I met there. I have some lifelong friends there and that was just the most important thing as you go on your life long journey. My fondest moment was beating Marquette which was the first time we beat a big school. They just didn´t know who we were. We had 3-4 guys that could of easily played at high major schools.

You played one more season at the The University of Nevada (NCAA) averaging 8.2ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.7apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 62.4%, 3PT: 26.4%, FT: 79.2%. How beneficial was it playing together with brothers Caleb and Cody Martin for your basketball development.

It was amazing. Those guys put in the work. Also coach Musselman is an amazing coach who also coached overseas, G-League and NBA. He coached everywhere. The most important thing I learned there was what it takes to be a professional player especially off the court like showing up early, staying late and accepting that role. I learned all that there. I was taught what it takes to stay in basketball.

How did head coach Eric Musselman give you that last vital push to help you be prepared for a pro career?

He is amazing. He is genuine and real. At the end of the day he tells you how it is. He tells you exactly how it will be in the next game. He tells you how it will be in the NBA as a 13th man. He understands everything so you can trust him. I accepted what he said and was able to put it into my life and grow with it.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or the Martin brothers?

We played 1-1 and they probably got the best of me more than I did them. I definitely didn´t go winless so that’s good. Those guys are like family. I still talk to them to this day. I love them.

Who was the greatest player that you ever faced in your life that reached the NBA?

I played against a couple really good guys. There are so many players. There is so much talent in USA.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

That’s tough. I don´t want to leave any out. Jazz Johnson has the best work ethic that I ever saw. He is like my little brother. Devin Patterson had a killer mentality. The Martin twins combined. Those guys cared every possession. Those guys didn´t have to, because they had so much talent. I loved playing with them so much. I gained a lot of brothers with Stockton like Emmanuel Terry, Ade Murkey, Matt Coleman, DJ Stewart. At a time of my life where I really needed friends, they were there for me. I also want to add Arturs Zagars.

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

This is in no particular order. Kobe, Lebron, Jordan, Shaq and Steph Curry.

Who is your GOAT?

Michael Bean James. My answer is a little different. I would probably lean towards Kobe, but you can really say anyone of those guys.

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

If it was worse than the first one they should of. I didn´t see the sequel. The first one was a classic.

Thanks TreShawn for the chat.

The NCAA Helped Benjamin Schroeder(basketball Lowen Braunschweig) Become A Tougher Player Mentally And Physically

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Benjamin Schroeder at the 2019 NBBL/JBBL top 4 in Jena

Benjamin Schroeder (201-G/F-2003, college: GWU, agency: Octagon Europe) is a 21 year old 201cm swing man who is playing his first season with the Basketball Loewen Braunschweig (BBL). He began his basketball career with FC Bayern Munich and won the 2019 JBBL (U-16) title. He then played with TSV Oberhaching Tropics Deisenhofen (ProB) in 2020-2021 averaging 11.9ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 25.9%, FT: 64.9% and in 2021-2022 played with Internationale Basketball Akademie Muenchen (NBBL) averaging 26.8ppg, 7.5rpg, 3.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 24.5%, FT: 72.4%. The last 2 years he played with The University of Oklahoma (NCAA) playing 6 games averaging 2.3ppg and last season played with The George Washington University (NCAA) playing 20 games aveaging 4.2ppg, 1.8rpg. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Benjamin for talking to eurobasket.com Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you at the moment?

Hey, thanks for inviting me! Currently, I’m on my way to a training camp with the German A2 national team. We have a tournament in Melilla next weekend, and I’m really looking forward to it.’ve been putting in a lot of hard work over the past few weeks to get in shape for this event. It’s always a great honor to play for Germany.

After 2 years in the NCAA and 26 games, you have returned back to Germany. When looking back was the NCAA experience one that you regretted? Do you wonder where you might be today had you remained in Germany and had 2 years of pro experience under your belt?

Absolutely no regrets whatsoever. Overall, it’s been an incredible experience, especially on a personal level. Playing college basketball has always been my dream, and now that it’s come true, I don’t question whether I’d be here if I had stayed in Germany. It’s all about making the right decisions, and I firmly believe that joining Braunschweig and competing in the BBL are the best steps forward for my professional career as a player.

Braunschweig is an organization that has developed young players well and where young guys get minutes. What other factors besides this appealed you to the organization?

The first professional game I ever watched as a young boy was Braunschweig vs. Bayern, featuring a rising star in Dennis Schröder and a young Nils Mittmann, who is now the General Manager in Braunschweig. Now, the circle feels complete, and I have a strong intuition that joining Braunschweig is the right move for me.The meetings and conversations have been very open, and I had a fantastic impression from the coaching staff during my training sessions there: JESÚS RAMÍREZ, KOSTAS PAPAZOGLOU, and LIVIU CALIN are all renowned for developing and nurturing young players. I just returned from a week of intense off-season training there, and I’m eager to follow in the footsteps of those who came before me, while putting in the necessary work at this professional level.

Head coach Jesus Ramirez is an up and coming coach. How did the talks go with him? What did you appreciate from him right from the start?

What really resonated with me as a player were the candid conversations I had with him. He emphasized that nothing would be handed to me, but he also laid out the path forward if things align as we hope and I put in the necessary work.

After playing 26 NCAA games, what kind of a player are you today in comparison to what kind of a player you were in 2022 when you headed to the NCAA?

I feel like I’ve become a much tougher player, both mentally and physically. Overall, I’ve performed well despite the cards I’ve been dealt. I’m sure it’s boosted my mental game a lot, and it’ll show once I find a role that really suits my style of play. Speaking of numbers, I’ve packed on 10 kilograms and am way more athletic than I was in 2022.

How excited are you to be playing with Sanada Fru again? You guys have been teammates in the youth national teams over the years. What have you learned to appreciate most about his game?

I’m excited about teaming up with Sananda again. We had an incredible synergy last year when we represented Germany at the FIBA 20 and under European Championships in Crete. What really sets his game apart is his versatility as a tall center—he’s not only a strong inside presence but also adept at creating shots and scoring from various positions on the court.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 203cm forward. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

Certainly, Kobe Bryant is someone I deeply respect and admire for his relentless work ethic and scoring prowess. Among today’s players, I see Ja Morant and Jayson Tatum as the ones who best embody those qualities and skills that I find inspiring and impressive.

You’re a very versatile player that can fill the stat sheet with ease. What other main strengths does your game incorporate?

I also see myself as a strong defender and someone who can facilitate plays for my teammates.

Your three pointer continues to be a work in progress. How have you seen your development of your shot the last 2 years in the States and what kind of steps do you want to make this season in the easyCredit BBL?

I’ve dedicated a significant amount of effort to improve my three-point shooting. Working closely with Stefan Weissenböck has been instrumental in refining my shot mechanics. In this off-season, I’ve put in a lot of work and repetition in my workouts, so I’m hopeful that my progress will translate into performance in the upcoming season.

What kind of a defender do you feel are you right now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

When it comes to defense, my aim is to be versatile enough to guard all positions, a crucial skill for advancing in my professional career. My ultimate goal is to emulate the reputation of a well-rounded two-way player, much like Kobe Bryant was known for.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now, so you can continue to improve as a player as best as possible?

I focus heavily on improving my three-point shooting, as well as honing my one-on-one skills, speed, and creativity. In Munich, I’ve been fortunate to work with a dedicated team for several years now: Matthäus Woitaschik enhances my agility, stabilization, and flexibility, while Patrick Taubert focuses on my strength and muscle development.

You played 6 games for the Oklahoma Sooners and came injured. How tough was this season? What positives could you gain from the season?

The season before last season was quite challenging for me as I underwent meniscus surgery right before it started. Despite the setbacks, there were some positives. Visiting Oklahoma was a unique experience that I appreciated. On the court, I managed to make an impact whenever I played, often contributing points and creating memorable highlights. Staying connected with my teammates has also been a positive outcome from that season.

You then played 20 NCAA games at George Washington averaging 4,2ppg and 1,8rpg in 11 minutes. What memories do you have of this season?

Reflecting on this season brings about a mix of emotions for me. Washington, D.C. is a wonderful city, and GW is renowned as one of the best universities in the US. However, I didn’t feel valued or understood as a player, and the promises made during my recruitment didn’t come to fruition. Being relegated to a role where I stood in the corner without involvement in the game was not fulfilling for me. It’s never easy when promises from recruiters aren’t kept, which was a significant factor in my decision to leave right after our final game in New York, despite having three more years of scholarship left. It’s not just about the competition, which I’ve never shied away from, but more about how I was treated and respected as both a player and a person.

You had good games against Stonehill, Coppin State and Bowie State. What was your personal favorite game at GWU?

It was really the first game where a touched the ball the first time and – believe it or not – hit a nice three point shot.

You began your career at FC Bayern Munich. You achieved so much success winning the U-14 and U-16 titles. Do you ever wonder where you might be had you remained longer with FC Bayern Munich?

It was a great experience that I will always be grateful for. However, the question never really crossed my mind because I was determined to play college basketball at that stage.

How important were your early years with FC Bayern Munich? What coach there had the biggest impact on you? Possibly Florian Wedell?

Absolutely, Florian was an excellent coach, and I’m genuinely happy for him as he takes on the role of head coach at Bayreuth next year. I also have fond memories of Steffen Hamann and his valuable advice on shooting in a relaxed and effortless manner.

That 2019 JBBL team was so special. It had so many great players like Sebastian Hartmann, Maxwell Temoka, or Alex Anigbata. Was there a teammate then that had the biggest impact on you?

Absolutely, that year we were a truly special team, and I haven’t experienced anything quite like it since. I still maintain close friendships with many of the players, and it wouldn’t be fair to single anyone out because each person contributed to creating unforgettable memories with the team.

In 2020 you went to FC Bayern Munich youth rival IBAM. Why did you make that decision?

IBAM had a very good reputation for placing players in the NCAA, such as Oscar da Silva, Tristan da Silva and Isaiah Ihnen, to name a few. The recruiting process and the offers from many well known colleges in the USA showed me that it was the right decision to start a college career.

You played 2 years for Robbie Scheinberg. How did he help you best in your basketball development?

I’m incredibly grateful to Robbie for giving me the freedom to showcase my full creative and scoring potential, which played a significant role in my subsequent recruiting process with US colleges. His support had a profoundly positive impact on my journey.

In 2021-2022, you played 3 games against your old team FC Bayern Munich in the NBBL. What memories do have of those 2 tough playoff loses?

While losing important games is always tough, what stands out most to me is the incredible crowd at the Audi Dome. We had over 1000 people watching our youth game, which I believe is still a record in Munich. At the end of the day Bayern was the better team in both games.

You had a season in the pro B with Oberaching for Mario Matic. What memories do you have of Matic? He gave you a lot of freedom.

Mario is a great coach and I just turned 17 when I joined his team which gave me the opportunity to play basketball during Corona because Oberhaching plays in the ProB in Germany. The thing I remember and appreciate most is that he gave me confidence, decent playing time and I scored quite well.

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

I really remember Brandon Miller, who now plays for the Charlotte Hornets and was the 2nd pick in the draft. We played Alabama and to everyone’s surprise we won the game! He is a very talented and tough player.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Mike Rataj

Sanada Fruh

Florian Schröder

Tjark Ladermacher

Jonas März

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

LeBron James, James Harden, Kevin Durant, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird

Who is your GOAT?


Lebron James

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

Yeah, I’ve seen the sequel. It’s like when you’re at the barber shop there and decide to try a new style. Sometimes it works out, sometimes you realize the original look was just right. But hey, you never know until you give it a shot.

Thanks Benjamin for the chat.

Niels Giffey(UCONN): If You Say In Germany That Your Goal Is The NBA, You Only Get A Funny Look

Niels Giffey is a 19 year old 200CM shooting guard/small forward that was born in Berlin and is currently a freshman playing for the UCONN Huskies. He started his basketball career for Marzahn Basket Baeren (2.Regionalliga) in 2005-2006. In 2007-2008, he played for TUS Lichterfelde Berlin (Pro B): 17 games: 2.4ppg, 1.2rpg. He played for Alba Berlin II (Regionalliga) from 2008-2010 and last season played  14 games: 9.6ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.5apg, 1.1spg. Some awards/achievements in his young career so far have been U16 National Team -06-07, European Championships U16 in Jaen (Spain) -06: 8 games: 6.8ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 46.8%, 3FGP: 50%, FT: 41.2%, European Championships U16 Division B in Skopje (FYR Macedonia) -07, German U18 National Team -08-09, Albert Schweitzer International Tournament in Mannheim (Unofficial World Championships U18) -08, Adidas World Junior Tournament in Douai (France) -08, European Championships U18 in Amaliada Pyrgos (Greece) -08: 6 games: 6.8ppg, 2.8rpg, 1.5apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 46.7%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 70.0%, Nike Euroleague Junior Tournament (Unofficial European Clubs Junior Championships) -09, German NBBL All-Star Game -10, German Regionalliga (North Group) Champion -10, German U20 National Team -10, Eurobasket.com German All-Regionalliga North Second Team -10, and Eurobasket.com German All-Regionalliga North Domestic Players Team -10. German Hoops spoke to the young German prior to March Madness about his life in the NCAA.

How do you like American football? UCONN has a successful football team.

I have been to one game. They have a very good team won the Big East. At first it was hard to understand the game, but with time I have began to enjoy the sport.

(more…)