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The EPG Baskets Koblenz Fall Apart In The Third Quarter As Phoenix Hagen Roll To Easy 100-67 Victory

The EPG Baskets continue to battle for the playoff spots having won 6 of their last 9 games. They also continue to be hot in their own living room riding a 3 game winning streak. They were focused and wanted revenge on Phoenix Hagen after their 113-97 shoot out loss to them early in the season. Phoenix Hagen was the team to beat as they rested in first place of the Pro A standings with a 15-3 record and had won 5 of their last 6 games. Despite the top record, Phoenix Hagen had to be best prepared, because the EPG Baskets Koblenz were a way better team than the last meeting. The team chemistry had grown dramatically and were a real offensive powerhouse ready to shoot out the lights for their fans once again, but after an explosive offensive showing in the first quarter, their quarter scoring dipped every quarter until the final buzzer. Phoenix Hagen went on a run at the end of the second quarter and then totally took control in the third quarter and never looked back destroying the EPG Baskets Koblenz 100-67. A basketball game has 40 minutes and Koblenz played really well for 17 minutes and that was that. Phoenix Hagen shot better, rebounded better and had less turnovers and that was pretty the story of the game. “We had a bad start where Koblenz had way too many offensive rebounds. However we picked up our game and they had no answer for our zone. We had good ball movement which resulted too many open three´s”, stressed Phoenix Hagen forward Dominick Von Waaden (195-SF-1999). When the Koblenz offense sputters then the players have big difficulty to find their grove back as their game gets effected mentally. “When you play the top team, you need to play well for 40 minutes. We played and shot well for 1,5 quarters. Then when we didn´t see shots fall, we got frustrated. Our leaders need to do a better job holding the team together and being more vocal. We had bad body language and it was the small things that cost us the rest of the way”, stressed EPG Baskets Koblenz assistant coach KJ Sherril.

Jolnas Niedermanner at the FT line

The first quarter was a real strong offensive showing from both teams as combined 46 points were scored and the EPG Baskets Koblenz had the surprising 5 point advantage. There were also 8 lead changes as it seemed like a classical playoff game of 2 teams battling back and forth. Both teams scored 26 three´s combined in the first meeting in Hagen and the first quarter showed a crazy trend of three´s being on the top of the menu. Ex Sacramento State (NCAA) guard Marcus Graves got hot early hitting 2 three´s while Koblenz also lit it up from the parking lot as 2018 NBBL champion Badu Buck and ex Memphis8NCAA) forward DJ Jeffries dropped three´s as they had the slim 12-11 advantage. The game had a high tempo and every now and then both teams tried to execute from the near distance as ex Delta State (NCAA2) guard Devin Schmidt scored back door and ex easyCredit BBL player Aleksa Kovacevic made up a pull up jumper for the 17-16 Koblenz lead. Both teams were moving the ball well and each team´s defense was always a step too slow. The EPG Baskets Koblenz closed out the first quarter with a swift 8-3 run as ex Kirchheim forward Jonas Niedermanner hit a trey and ex Schwenningen guard Devonte Mccall made a lay in and ex Trier forward Jannis Sonnefeld made a offensive rebound and put back for the 25-21 advantage. “Everybody saw a great first quarter by both teams. It was attractive basketball. Koblenz played very aggressive defense and Marcus Graves kept Hagen in the game. We rebounded very well, but could of done a better job guarding the three point line”, stressed EPG Baskets Koblenz sport director Thomas Klein. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 64% form the 2 point range and 38% from outside and had 12 rebounds and 2 turnovers while Phoenix Hagen shot 50% from the 2 point area and 30% from outside and had 8 rebounds and 1 turnover.

Tim Uhlemann with the lay in

The EPG Baskets Koblenz did a good job keeping the lead in the second quarter, but then lost control in the last minutes allowing the guests on a run and losing the lead and they would never regain it. Graves continued to execute well as he added 5 more points, but Koblenz also continued to execute and keep the lead as Jeffries added another three pointer while Mr everything Calvin Wishart added 5 points with a trey and offensive rebound and put back as Koblenz led 35-29. However Phoenix Hagen kept the pressure on and got superb support from their bench as ex Paderborn forward Dominick Von Waaden dropped 2 three´s, but Koblenz always had an answer as Wishart and ex Rhondorf center Alex Moeller made lay in´s for the 39-35 lead. The EPG Baskets Koblenz were really strong on the offensive glass grabbing key offensive rebounds getting extra possessions which led to points. However then came the turning point of the game as Phoenix Hagen went on a lethal 15-6 run to retake the lead at 52-43 at the break and they would never trail again. In the run, the EPG Baskets Koblenz had some defensive let downs as they allowed 2 open three´s to ex Oklahoma State American Jefferey Carroll and modern big man Tim Uhleman also dropped a trey as Phoenix Hagen overpowered them right before the break. Koblenz did get a three pointer from Niedermanner, but Tennessee native Devin Schmidt put another dagger into the hearts of the EPG Baskets Koblenz with a trey to end the first half. “We put in 2 of our big men and didn´t defend their corner three´s. That really hurt us. Von Waaden went 4/4 from outside. You can´t let a bench player have that kind of production. We kept rebounding well though”, stated Thomas Klein. Phoenix Hagen shot 58% from the 2 point area and 48% from the three point line and had 15 rebounds and 4 turnovers while the EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 56% from the field and 33% from the three point line and had 23 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

Calvin Wishart from outside

The EPG Baskets Koblenz continued to score less adding only 13 points in the third quarter while Phoenix Hagen continued to execute well adding 25 points and pretty much had the game decided leading by 24 points after 30 minutes. The EPG Baskets began ok getting some baskets from Ohio native Tim Smith Jr and and a trey from Jeffries, but couldn´t make any ground as Phoenix Hagen still executed getting more valuable production from Tim Uhlemann who added 5 points with a trey and offensive rebound and put back as they led 59-49. But Phoenix Hagen then decided the game early going on a 20-5 run to lead very comfortably 79-54 after 3 quarters. Phoenix Hagen continued to have a high intensity while the EPG Baskets Koblenz couldn´t match it anymore at both ends and had a terrible body language and lost their offensive rhythm. In the run Phoenix Hagen got great offensive support from 13 year easyCredit BBL veteran Fabian Bleck with 6 points while other ex BBL player Dennis Nawrocki also hit a trey. Dutch monster Lucas N Guessan also gave key support adding 7 points as he was unstoppable in the lane. He ended the third quarter with a massive exclamation point with a big 2 handed dunk. The EPG Baskets Koblenz had no more team play, but chose 1-1 play instead while searching for some kind of reasonable intensity. “Our leaders didn´t step up enough. We are a young team and when they see older guys put their heads down, then it becomes a domino effect. When everyone hits shots then everyone is happy, but when we don´t then it´s a problem. We started to get problems with rebounding and couldn´t hit free throws well enough”, added KJ Sherril. “We continued to heighten our defense. We gave up less points than the quarter before. We played smarter defense putting on as little less pressure. Our zone worked well and got easy baskets as a result of it”, added Dominick Von Waaden. Phoenix Hagen shot 59% from the 2 point range and 41% from the parking lot and had 31 rebounds and 9 turnovers and the EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 40% from the field and 30% from the parking lot and had 31 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Lucas N´Guessan at the FT line

Nothing changed in the fourth quarter as Phoenix Hagen continued to be consistent on offense executing well and playing their game while the EPG Baskets Koblenz once again scored less again than the last quarter allowing the guests to close out the game easily. There seemed to be a shimmer of hope in the first minutes as the EPG Baskets Koblenz went on a 4-0 run with a Smith Jr 20 footer and Buck free throws and got 5 stops to trail only 77-60. However that little burst of hope didn´t rattle Phoenix Hagen as they found their groove again going on a 6-0 run as Uhlemann nailed a 10 footer, ex Giessen guard Bjarne Kraushaar made a nifty move on the base line and made a reverse lay up and Bleck made a lay in for the 83-60 advantage. Jeffries stopped the run with a three pointer and then a lay in to trail 85-65, but the guests had everything under control. Phoenix Hagen had no let up in the last 5 minutes, but instead closed out the game with a crushing 15-2 run to give Koblenz some real soul searching after the buzzer sounded. In the run, the guests received good support from many guys as ex Ulm forward Marvin Omuvwie, Guessan and Von Waaden with lay in´s. They also got 6 points from Slovenian player Jan Razdevsek who usually plays for their farm team Hagen Haspe (Regionalliga)made his Pro A debut and definitely didn´t disappoint. All that the EPG Baskets Koblenz got in that faze was a 20 footer by McCall. “They began well at the start of the fourth quarter. We were a little cocky. We have to stay focused for 40 minutes. We got calm again and got back to team ball and got good shots and refrained from 1-1 play”, commented Dominick Von Waaden who had a career day with 14 points. “I have always like this arena. I remember I played well here with PS Karlsruhe. My teammates found me well tonight”, added Dominick Von Waaden. “We began well, but ten dropped our heads again when we started missing shots again. It was the little things like easy missed lay ups, rebounding and free throws that cost us”, explained KJ Sherril. Phoenix Hagen were led by Marcus Graves and Tim Uhlemann with 15 points a piece while The EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by DJ Jeffries and Calvin Wishart with 11 points a piece. Phoenix Hagen shot 49% from the field and 38% from outside and had 44 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 35% from the field and 28% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 20 turnovers.

Ivan Crnjac Nails 2 Clutch Shots In Crunch-Time To Propel The Skyliners Juniors To 74-70 Upset Win Over BBC Coburg

Sometimes all it takes to get back on track is filling the roster with some new bodies. That is exactly what the Skyliners Juniors did shortly before Xmas and bang the club was riding a 2 game winning streak. With the arrival of rookie Desmond Watson and experienced Pro A player Moses Poelking, the team was bolstered with serious scoring power with the American and inside stability from the German. Frankfurt wanted to keep the winning streak alive, but had no cake walk with top Pro B team BBC Coburg who were resting in first place and sparkled at both ends with top offense and defense qualities. It was one of those games where the Skyliners Juniors never gave up and didn´t capture their first lead until 30 seconds before the end. Sometimes it´s simply better late than never. The hero at the end was Ivan Crnjac (203-F-2007) with 2 clutch buckets and a massive block from Moses Poelking to seal the 74-70 victory. “We had a bad start and just weren´t focused. We didn´t play as a team at both ends. In the second half, we played better as a team and had more precision in our game. Our communication and presence on defense was outstanding. We filled all the holes and our will was so big to win”, stressed Skyliner Junior Ivan Crnjac. BBC Coburg played a great first half, but in the second half weren´t as strong anymore as they allowed Frankfurt to hang around and sneak out the win. “We had a great start and played with a very high intensity on the defensive end. We lost that in the second half. They got way too many easy baskets in the second half and they stepped up their defense and we weren´t able to convert the way we did in the first half”, stressed BBC Coburg forward Darius Dawson.

Lukas Smazak at the FT line

The first quarter belonged to BBC Coburg as they stormed out catching the Skyliners Juniors on the wrong foot going on a 17-2 run and after 10 minutes led very comfortably 27-12. American Darius Dawson who compares his game to San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle was a one man wrecking crew scoring the first 7 points with a trey and 2 lay in´s. Canadian Dylan Fasoyiro who compares his game to New York Knick Josh Hart also made a lay in while German Tim Herzog also scored with ease in the paint. BBC Coburg displayed their disciplined style moving the ball well as Frankfurt was unable to match their intensity. Frankfurt also coughed up the ball too much not getting adjusted to the aggressive defense of the guests. Rookie Desmond Watson was aggressive but his shots weren´t falling. Frankfurt then finally got better into their offense as ex Kronberg big man Florian Dietrich scored twice and ex Neustadt forward Leif Zentgraf also connected on a lay in. Frankfurt was more aggressive and found some cracks in the zone to get their inside game to work. However Frankfurt´s improved game was slowed down a bit as ex Skyliner Junior Leo Cosic dropped a huge trey at the buzzer to give BBC Coburg the 15 point advantage after 10 minutes. BBC Coburg shot 60% from the field and 57% from outside and had 8 rebounds and 3 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 29% form the field and 0% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 7 turnovers. “We had a horrible start and had 2 turnovers in a row. We didn´t do a good job keeping our man in front of us on 1-1 defense”, stressed Ivan Crnjac.

Dylan Fasoyiro from outside

BBC Coburg continued their consistency in the second quarter as they controlled the game and led 48-30 at half-time. The Skyliners Juniors kept up their spirited play in the second quarter and continued to execute well as Dusan Nikolic and Desmond Watson made lay in´s, but BBC Coburg had the comfortable 31-18 lead. Skyliners Juniors head coach Markus Klusemann gave Florian Dietrich the green light and the German responded doing a good job getting good position near the rim and scored 3 buckets in a row and suddenly Frankfurt trailed only 33-25. But BBC Coburg did a great job staying calm and punched back the way a top team should with a lethal 13-0 run to extend their lead to 46-25. BBC Coburg played great team basketball and just showed pretty love sharing the ball and getting a lot of support from all and took good care of the ball. BBC Coburg played some long ball and showed their great three point qualities getting long bombs from 17 year old German Felix Egger, Austrian Nico Holleri and Fasoyiro. Frankfurt got very sloppy again turning the ball over too much and couldn´t play their fast game. Frankfurt was lucky to get 5 consecutive points from Desmond Watson to close in the gap a bit and trail by 18 points at the break. BBC Coburg shot 50% from the field and 47% from the three point line and had 18 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 39% from the field and 11% from the three point line and had 19 rebounds and 11 turnovers. “The second quarter was like the first quarter. We gave up another run, but hit a few more shots, but overall, we weren´t ready on defense”, commented Ivan Crnjac.

Desmond Watson on the drive

In the third quarter the Skyliners Juniors continued to fight and come back step by step and executed a lot better on offense outscoring BBC Coburg 26-13 to trail only 61-56 after 30 minutes. The Skyliners Juniors had a great start going on a 8-2 run to trail only 50-38. In the run, Frankfurt was sparked by universal genius Ivan Crnjac who scored back to back drives while Florian Dietrich continued to be a nasty beast scoring twice in the paint. Frankfurt had nothing lax about their game as their intensity was growing possession by possession. Frankfurt wasn´t able to get over the hump as despite getting 2 vital lay in´s by Watson, BBC Coburg continued to hit big three´s as Hollerl and Egger hit and they were able to hold the 60-44 lead. BBC Coburg always had an answer and were able weather the storm in difficult situations. What the Skyliners Juniors needed was a big play and that was exactly what they got as ex Pro A player Moses Poelking supplied the big throw down to trail 60-46. That big play sparked Frankfurt as they closed out the last minutes with a lethal 10-1 run to trail only by 5 points with 10 minutes to play. Watson continued to be aggressive adding 6 points while Edoka stroked home a trey. “Frankfurt moved the ball better and Watson was able to create for himself. Frankfurt did allow some open three´s, but overall their 1-1 defense was superb”, stated TV Langen forward Drago Crnjac. “Frankfurt increased their defensive intensity. We had massive problems being able to get into our offense”, said Darius Dawson. BBC Coburg shot 47% from the field and 50% from the parking lot and had 22 rebounds and 8 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 45% from the field and 20% from the parking lot n and had 29 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

Darius Dawson at the FT line

The Skyliners continued to battle in their come back in the fourth quarter and were rewarded in crunch-time as they hit clutch shots and got a big defensive play to seal the win. Dawson put BBC Coburg on the board first in the fourth quarter with a 20 footer as they led 63-56. However the Skyliners Juniors continued to put a lot of pressure defensively on the guests which caused turnovers and Lukas Smazak had a big block while Watson made a lay in and Jamie Edoka hit free throws as Frankfurt trailed 63-60. Both teams now traded baskets as Frankfurt was so close to gaining the lead, but just couldn´t yet. BBC Coburg got baskets from Herzog and Dawson while Frankfurt got key scores from Watson and 5 points from Edoka, but the guests led 68-67 as the lead wasn´t far away for the Skyliners Juniors. BBC Coburg kept the pressure on as Herzog made a lay in as BBC Coburg led 70-67. But that was the last points that BBC Coburg would achieve as the Skyliners Juniors closed out the game with a 7-0 run to win. Ivan Crnjac took over in the last minute scoring 2 baskets in a row and his second which was the winner was a pretty off balance shot of the glass. “My three wasn´t falling so I decided to attack. They were always coming out at me at the line so I drove. I saw the help coming over and I had no pass so I tried to finish as best as I could”, stressed Ivan Crnjac. “Ivan made a big difference. He made big shots, rebounded well and made big steals”, added Drago Crnjac. Frankfurt wanted to win so bad which showed when Leif Zentgraf was hit hard on the head while helping on defending Dawson who was blocked by Poelking which led to Edoka free throws and the 73-70 lead with 17 seconds to paly. “The block was a big moment. I saw Leif covering Dawson and I wanted to help. I´m glad I was able to get the block”, smiled Moses Poelking. Holleri then missed a shot and Ivan Crnjac made a free throw to seal the win. “This was a total team effort. Frankfurt played outstanding defense in the fourth quarter. Frankfurt played good team ball and were consistent on defense”, stated Drago Crnjac. “Their intensity was different at the end. You could feel their pressure and nothing was easy for us anymore. They communicated really well on defense”, added Darius Dawson. The Skyliners Juniors were led by Desmond Watson with 28 points while Florian Dietrich added 14 points and Jamie Edoka 12 points while BBC Coburg were led by Darisu Dawson with 19 points while Nico Hollerl had 13 points and Dylan Fasoyiro added 12 points. The Skyliners Juniors shot 44% from the field and 18% from outside and had 41 rebounds and 16 turnovers while BBC Coburg shot 415 from the field and 40% from outside and had 31 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

               

Radii Caisin´s(Skyliners) Special Role Consists Of Him To Always Look And Try To Take The Perfect Shot Every Time
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Foto credit: Dmitrij Zibart | ZIBART.

Radii Caisin (198-SG-2001) is a 24 year old 198cm shooting guard playing the 2025-2026 season with the Frankfurt Skyliners. He played the last 2 seasons with BC Raiffeisen Flyers Wels (Austria-BSL) averaging 12.7ppg, 5.6rpg, 2.1apg, Steals-5 (1.7spg), FGP: 57.5%, 3PT: 28.4%, FT: 83.3%and 18.8ppg, 7.6rpg, 3.1apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 82.2%. He played parts of 4 seasons in the easyCredit BBL with teams MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg, MBC and Crailsheim. He played 3 seasons in the Rasta Vechta organization. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big 80-75 win over the MLP Academics Heidelberg

Congrats Radii on the big 80-75 win in Heidelberg. How urgent was this game to win after the tough loss to FC Bayern Munich?

The way we put the Munich game in the sand and then had to play against one of the worst teams in the BBL, this game was urgent for us. You have to win these kind of games. It wasn´t our best game in Heidelberg. We won more with will than beauty.

The MLP Academics have had a tough season and lost very badly to Bonn a few days ago. How key was it for the team to go into the game not to underestimate them?

It was a big challenge coming to their place and playing against a team that lost very badly against Bonn. Plus one import was released by them and another was injured. They had nothing to lose. They played with 120% against us something they didn´t do in their last games. They did a good job staying with us. We had to take them very seriously.

This was a very rare game where it was really back and forth for 38 minutes. Have you ever had a game like this that was so tight for almost 40 minutes?

I actually have played games like this where it went back and forth. In these type of games it is simply important to get stops. We did that in crunch-time at the right moment.

Damariae Horne got going right away in the first quarter and finished with 32 points. What made it so difficult to contain him?

We knew going in that he was one of their key players. He had even more weight on his shoulders with 2 less imports. He may have had a few easy looks, but he is still a very talented player. We were a bit behind on some cuts and pin downs. That gave him holes to score easier.

Isaiah Swope made big buckets in the last minutes of the first quarter to keep Frankfurt close and trailing 19-18 after 10 minutes. Have you ever played with such a consistent dominant player that brings his A game every game?

I actually have played with players like Swope. When I was in Vechta there were guys like Austin Hollins and TJ Bray that could score every game the way Isaiah does. You simply know exactly what you get from guys like that. There can always be days where their shots don´t fall, but we s a team always trust them to shoot.

The Skyliners led 36-33 at the break. Heidelberg had allowed over 100 points the last 2 games, but defended a lot better against you. What adjustments did they make on the defensive end?

I don´t think that it was so much on them, but more on us. We just couldn´t play our game and didn´t have great ball movement. We held the ball too long at times and took shots near the end of the shot clock. We just didn´t play good offense. We only had 2 fast break baskets at the break. Transition is our game and we weren´t able to play it as much as we wanted.

Till Pape was back and made big baskets in the third quarter. What extra dimension did he give the team that it didn´t have against Munich?

He gives us more height. When he isn´t on the floor, our inside game suffers as does our rebounding. Without Till, we are simply too one dimensional.

Heidelberg led 59-57 after 30 minutes. What did Klaus Perwas tell the team to do going into the fourth quarter?

At that moment it was all about who wanted it more. Klaus told us that we had too stay together and give that last push and get stops. He wanted us to defend and play with will.

The turning point came when you hit a trey and Isaiah Swope a three at the 1,43 minute mark to lead 74-70. What was key in crunch-time for getting the win?

Defense and will won us the game. We got key rebounds and contained Williamson better. We also controlled second chance points. We also forced turnovers. When that happens, it is a lot easier to play offense.

The Skyliners next play Rostock. What will be key to getting the win?

We have to heighten our defense after the way we played against Munich. We can´t give up easy baskets. We have to paly our game more and go back to our roots against Rostock.

You had a 8/3 game in 19 minutes. How content were you with your game?

It was ok. The second half was better than the first half.

Your averaging 6/3 stats in 17 minutes. You always give needed energy from the bench. Did your 2 years in Austria pay off for you?

Yes 100% it has paid off for me. In Austria my role was different, but I still had to show what I can do on the court to reach the easyCredit BBL level. Everything fits well with Klaus Perwas.

Your averaging 15 minutes less than last year in Wels. You have never taken more than 4 shots in a game this season. How challenging is shot selection for you? Are you looking and trying to take the perfect shot every game?

In a way yes. The shots that Isaiah Swope take may not be ideal, but he is allowed to take them. I won´t take those type of shots. I took shots like that last season, but don´t need to this season. My game is simple with the Skyliners. I have the green light to take open shots from the three point line or closer. I can also attack closeouts, but not create my own shots.

You give a lot of energy on the court. What else would you like to show more on the court that you haven´t been able to show yet?

I just try to improve step by step. I know I can show more, but with this team I don´t have to in the role that I have. I´m still young and still have time to show more in the next years.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Will Christmas?

I do.

What are your new years resolutions?

I want to become more disciplined off the court and read more books. On the court to invest more and grow step by step.

Thanks Radii for the chat.

Tim Smith Jr Leads The EPG Baskets Koblenz In Crunch-Time To Grind Out 81-69 Win Over The Uni Baskets Munster

It was the hour of truth for the EPG Baskets Koblenz as they returned back to their living room to battle Pro A team Munster. Both clubs actually came into the contest boasting a poor 2-5 record. Both teams have been a firing range as opponents for both clubs have scored, scored and scored at ease. Both teams arrived into the game with 3 game losing streaks while the EPG Baskets allowed 101 points in the last 3 games and Munster 90 points. It was a phase now where the EPG Baskets Koblenz would meet some teams in the middle of the standings and these were golden opportunities for them to get some wins. It was a must win for the EPG Baskets Koblenz. On a drowsy cool Monday evening, fans didn´t see a pretty game, but at least it wasn´t a blow out as both teams battled back and forth for 37 minutes until the EPG Baskets totally put the lid on the team´s first home win of the season with a brutal 14-2 run to end the game 81-67. “We gave a great defensive effort. We held them to 69 points. We didn´t have a great scoring night, but important was that our defense was good. Important was that we did a good job limiting their guards”, stressed Ohio native and EPG Baskets forward Tim Smith Jr. The Uni Baskets Munster had their ups and downs and unfortunately for them, the last punch of the game came from Koblenz. “We showed spurts of great defense and ball movement. We have to learn to put it together for 40 minutes. We are still learning each other and need better maturity”, stressed Uni Baskets Munster guard Bo Dukes. It was a tough game to follow for EPG Baskets Koblenz sport director Thomas Klein as he had a massive sigh of relief when the buzzer sounded. “It wasn´t pretty, but the most important thing was that we won. We had good phases at the end of offense and defense. 2 minutes was enough to win the game”, stressed Thomas Klein.

Alex Moeller at the FT line

The EPG Baskets Koblenz wanted to make a statement in this game, but instead stunk up their own living room early as the Uni Baskets Munster escaped out on a 12-2 lead. Ex Georgia State (NCAA) forward Nicholas McMullen got going early scoring 3 buckets as his 1-1 skills were unmatched as he wheeled and dealed on his first shot with a few spins. Munster also got a trey from ex Paderborn guard Neil Masnic and a lay in from ex Butler (NCAA) guard Bo Dukes. The guests were aggressive and executing well while on at the other end playing good 1-1 defense as the EPG Baskets Koblenz weren´t being aggressive or physical, but just hurling up bricks from the parking lot. The EPG Baskets Koblenz finally found to their game when German Alex Moeller and American DJ Jeffries were inserted. Both were aggressive driving to the hoop and were rewarded with baskets. Moeller scored twice and Jeffries was a real work horse scoring three times including a big dunk to trail 17-15 after 10 minutes. The UNI Baskets Munster played solid team ball in the first 5 minutes with a little of isolation added in, but in the latter half were more passive and playing too much hero ball. “We weren´t aggressive or physical in the first half of the first quarter. We then played better 1-1 defense and just found to our game while attacking the rim more”, said Thomas Klein.

Julian Larry at the FT line

In the second quarter both teams were at eye level, but the EPG Baskets Koblenz had the slim 37-33 advantage at the break. Both teams executed well on offense as Koblenz had their own version of a microwave Vinnie Johnson as Garrett Hicks (183-PG-2001, college: Samford) stepped up netting 7 points, but they couldn´t get away from the guests as they received input from McMullen with a lay in and dime from ex Heidelberg guard Andrew O´Brien and the latter then connected on a trey to dead lock the game at 25-25. The game stayed a game of little runs as Koblenz got 5 unanswered points from Marco Bacak who stepped out to drill home a trey and free throws to lead 30-25, but Munster struck back with a 6-0 run as ex Indiana State (NCAA) guard Julian Larry made back to back jumpers and ex Campbell (NCAA) guard Caleb Zurliene made a floater to steal back the lead at 31-30. But the runs didn´t stop there as the EPG Baskets punched back with a lethal 7-2 run to lead by 4 points going into half-time. Key in the run again was ex G-League player DJ Jeffries who connected on a turn around shot and went coast to coast for a lay in. Ex Leipzig forward Jonas Niedermanner closed out the second quarter with a lay in. “I was very happy to be up by 4 points. Both teams demonstrated 1-1 play. We were better on the close outs and rebounded better”, stated Thomas Klein. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 45% from the field and 25% from outside and had 17 rebounds and 6 turnovers while the Uni Baskets Munster shot 50% from the field and 30% from outside and had 14 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Marko Bacak from downtown

Despite a slow start into the third quarter by the EPG Baskets Koblenz who lost the lead again, they were able to claw back and get the lead back and lead 54-53 after 30 minutes. Once again the Uni Baskets Munster caught Koblenz napping like in the first quarter as they went out on a 12-2 run to regain the lead again at 45-39. In the run, the Uni Baskets Munster were led by Julian Larry who once again had the hot hand as he added 7 points showing his 3 level scoring while McMullen also added a steal and transition bucket while German Paul Viefhues added a clutch three pointer. Munster came out playing a type of run and gun which Koblenz couldn´t adjust to. Koblenz also was tame and not aggressive getting to the rim like they did better in the second quarter. Koblenz didn´t start the second half with Americans Jeffries and Hicks, but when they were inserted after the guests big run, things changed. They led their team on a 9-3 run as the team followed Jeffries game and got more aggressive again. Jeffries was aggressive on the glass getting a tip in on the third try while Bacak attacked the basket scoring twice. Hicks added a trey which gave Koblenz the 48-47 lead again. Then the game went back and forth as there were 4 lead changes. The EPG Baskets Koblenz remained aggressive as bigs Bacak and Moeller scored while the guests got free throws from Mcmullen and a lay in by Zurliene. However DJ Jeffries had the last laugh closing out the third quarter with an off balance jumper to lead by 1 point. “We had a lack of focus to start, but we didn´t give up and stayed with it and got the lead back”, commented Tim Smith Jr. “We showed flashes of many things in the run. But we weren´t able to show it for the whole quarter”, stated Bo Hodges. “We saw wild west basketball. There was absolute no control from both teams. It was 1-1 basketball from both teams”, said Thomas Klein.

Paul Viefhues from outside

The Uni Baskets punched first leading by as much as 5 points, but the EPG Baskets Koblenz wanted that first home win and punched last to win the game. Ex Trier forward Jannis Sonnefeld began the fourth quarter with free throws and the 56-53 lead, but Koblenz then had 2 minutes of a real lack of concentration as Munster went on a 8-0 run to lead 61-56. In the run they got back to back three´s from Germans Thore Dilschman and Masnic while Mcmullen added an old school hook shot. Koblenz didn´t defend smartly and had some bad turnovers as Badu Buck made the wrong decision of throwing up an alley op pass when he should of just finished the transition play himself. After a Smith Jr lay in, Mcmullen added another lay in for the 63-58 lead. The game remained a game of runs as Koblenz added 5 unanswered points as Niedermanner hit a trey and Hicks made a lay in on transition to tie the game at 63-63 as the arena was cooking. Both teams punched back a few times as no team could get away as the game was dead locked at 67-67. But then came the turning point of the game and the last punch by the EPG Baskets Koblenz as they offered a 14-2 run to end the game. In the run, Tim Smith Jr was instrumentel adding 7 points showing his 3 level scoring and Marco Bacak added a three pointer bank shot that had some cringing while others shedding a smile as everything came together for Koblenz in crunch-time. “I didn´t shoot much in the first half, but I knew that my time would come. I just let the game come to me”, expressed Tim Smith Jr. NIedermanner and Hicks also added baskets. “We drove to the basket, found the teammates, rebounded well and had good 1-1 defense”, smiled Thomas Klein. “We had too many communication problems. They also had too many offensive rebounds. We have to be better down the stretch”, warned Bo Hodges. “We played really good defense. We knew that we had to invest 10% more. We were flying around and getting into the passing lanes well”, added Tim Smith Jr. The EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by DJ Jeffries and Garrett Hicks with 15 points a piece while Tim Smith Jr had 12 points and Marko Bacak 10 points while the Uni Baskets Munster were led by Nicholas McMullen with 22 points and Julian Larry added 18 points. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 44% from the field and 31% from the three point line and had 38 rebound and 9 turnovers while the Uni Baskets Munster shot 44% from the field and 28% from the three point line and had 35 rebounds and 20 turnovers.

FC Bayern Basketball 2 Overcome Scare And Skyliners Juniors Comeback Grinding Out 95-90 Win On The Road

3 things that Pro B clubs Frankfurt, Orange Academy and FC Bayern Basketball 2 have in common is that they are the fam teams of easyCredit BBL clubs, but one thing they don´t have in common so far this season are the results. FC Bayern Basketball 2 and Orange Academy had a combined record of 11-4 and were 2-3 in the standings and have really taken the league by storm while the Skyliners Juniors were still searching for their rhythm having only a 2-4 record. A big reason for their success had been simply that years of playing together had really shaped their team chemistry. Whereas other teams are still looking for their chemistry, Orange Academy and FC Bayern Basketball 2 have it. It also has helped that they have been successful at the youth sector. Orange Academy have guys that won at the JBBL (U-16) level and had guys reach the U-19 NBBL (U-19) top 4. FC Bayern Basketball 2 had 6 players from last seasons NBBL title team in the Pro B. The only good news for the Skyliners Juniors was that after starting slow losing 4 of their first 5 games, they struck back last weekend with a very convincing win in Speyer 84-69. They wanted to keep the winning streak alive against the 6-2 Munich team. On a mild Saturday night in Frankfurt, FC Bayern Basketball 2 controlled the game for 3 quarters, but in the fourth quarter couldn´t contain a massive Skyliners Juniors comeback, but in the end the guests prevailed with the grind out 95-90 win. “We played well for 32 minutes, but didn´t in the last 8 minutes. They played a zone that pushed us out of our offense. We came back together and closed out the game strong. However we shouldn´t have allowed them to come back”, stressed FC Bayern Basketball 2 guard Agust Kjartansson. The Skyliners Juniors had to play catch up basketball the whole night and saved their best for the last quarter scoring 35 points, but their massive comeback wasn´t rewarded in crunch-time as little errors caught up with them. The biggest problem for the Skyliners Juniors was not being able to show consistency for 40 minutes. “We can´t come out for 30 minutes and not be ready to play and stick to the game plan. We have to come back way to much this season in games. We defend and rebound well when we come back, but we have to do this for the whole game. It is a mental thing. We have to get our stuff together”, warned a distraught Dusan Nikolic of the Skyliners Juniors.

Nikolas Sermpezis at the FT line

The Skyliners Juniors were without German forward Julius Messer and Czech Republic guard Lukas Smazak, but had 2 guys back after injuries with Ivan Crnjac and Maxi Peters. Both teams found their offensive rhythm right away as both teams got their bigs involved as Italian Alessio Calamita scored twice as did ex Kronberg big Florian Dietrich. Both teams were aggressive on the glass and there were 4 lead changes in the first minutes as Frankfurt had the 8-7 lead. But then came the first turning point of the game as FC Bayern Basketball 2 went on a 12-2 run to lead 20-10. In the run, the guests showed nice inside out basketball getting 3 three´s with one from Kjartansson and two from German U-19 ´world cup silver medalist Nicolas Kodjoe while Calamita continued to get good position getting a lay in while ex Dresden center Kilian Fischer connected on free throws. Munich defended with discipline and didn´t allow Frankfurt to score on the drive while Frankfurt had a lack of communication on the defensive allowing open looks. Crnjac scored his first field goal of the season and Nikolic dropped free throws while Greek youth national player Nikolas Sermpezis (196-SF-2007) added a 25 footer and free throws as FC Bayern Basketball 2 led comfortably 24-14 after 10 minutes. “The Skyliners Juniors were missing some key players and had to integrate 2 new guys which was difficult getting all on the same page. They were aggressive on the rebound, but missed too many easy lay ups”, stressed Eintracht Frankfurt/Skyliners head coach Thore Bethke. FC Bayern Basketball 2 shot 42% from the field and 43% from outside and had 11 rebounds and 1 turnover while the Skyliners Juniors shot 26% from the field and 0% from outside and had 14 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

Jamie Edoka with the massive dunk

In the second quarter FC Bayern Basketball 2 continued to control the game while fans saw 2 spectacular plays. Both teams found their offensive rhythm punching back and forth. Sermpezis nailed a trey while Frankfurt remained aggressive reaching the rim as Jamie Edoka and ex Neustadt forward Leif Zentgraf made lay in´s, but the guests still led 29-19. After a Desmon Yiamu who came to Munich in 2022 during the Ukraine war made a lay in, it was the big moment of Jamie Edoka as he came from the wing and took no prisoners as he flew to the rim and made a massive poster dunk as Frankfurt trailed 31-21. “That was a great dunk. He read the close out really well. He has a 7,1 wing span which is crazy for his height”, added Thore Bethke. Both teams continued to trade baskets as American Gob Gabriel added 5 points and Frankfurt got lay in´s from Crnjac and Nikolic, but the Skyliners Juniors just couldn´t get over the hump trailing 40-25. After Yiamu hit an old school hook shot and Crnjac made a floater, it was time for the second great play of the quarter. Kjartansson who reads the game so well somehow had eyes in the back of his head as he made a sweet over the shoulder pass ala Jokic to an open Fischer who made the lay in for the 46-30 advantage. “That was a nice pass. You can´t let him be able to operate like that. He has so much experience and gives them good stability”, stated Thore Bethke. FC Bayern Basketball 2 simply had the better offensive execution and had the more aggressive defensive play that stifled Frankfurt time in and time out again were able to lead 50-32 at half time as Kjartansson dropped a trey to end the second quarter. FC Bayern Basketball 2 shot 49% from the field and 50% from the three point line and had 21 rebounds and 1 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 35% from the field and 0% from the three point line and had 21 rebounds and 5 turnovers. “There were ups and downs with the Skyliners Juniors. Smazak was missing in the guard rotation and the pick and roll wasn´t that good. There were too many guys playing out of position”, stated Thore Bethke.

Caspar Vossenberg with the dunk

The Skyliners Juniors were able to improve their scoring in each quarter, but defensively still allowed 26 points and were unable to make any ground on FC Bayern Basketball trailing 76-55 after 3 quarters. Both teams continued to execute well on the offensive end as the guests got buckets from Calamita and Kodjoe in the zone while Frankfurt got lay in´s from Joschua Zentgraf and Dietrich, but couldn´t make any ground trailing 56-40. Kjartansson made his second great pass of the game making a behind the back bounce pass to Calamita. It was a mix of Doncic, Teodosic and Bird. “I have developed my passing over the years and I have a special feeling to pass the ball. I practice it a lot and do watch a lot of Milos Teodosic. That pass wasn´t Doncic or Bird, but just me”, smiled Agust Kjartansson. Even when the Skyliners Juniors found some daylight, they couldn´t hold that momentum long. Even after they went on a 6-2 run to trail only 58-46 as Nikolic added 4 points and Edoka made a floater, the guests poured on the pressure again going on a 18-9 run to have the 21 point lead after 30 minutes. 16 year old German youth national player Caspar Vossenberg got hot scoring 6 points while Serbian youth national player Andrija Susic added 4 points and Sermpezis made an off balance shot while the Skyliners Juniors got 2 three´s from Maxi Peters. “We came into the third quarter up by 18 points. We wanted to have much energy and keep the lead up and we did that. We executed well at both ends and didn´t let them have any easy shots”, commented Agust Kjartansson. “We didn´t play hard enough or together enough”, commented Dusan Nikolic. FC Bayern Basketball 2 shot48% from the field and 41% from the parking lot and had 30 rebounds and 6 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 36% from the field and 14% from the parking lot and had 31 reboundsa nd 8 turnovers.

Florian Dietrich at the FT line

The future of the Skyliners Juniors looked bleak going into the fourth quarter, but then came the much desired comeback, but they fell just a bit short at the end. The Skyliners Juniors came into the fourth quarter energized and wasted no time breaking out on a 14-3 run to trail only 79-69. It was the Jamie Edoka show as he scored 9 consecutive points and 11 of the 14 Frankfurt points. He was a one man wrecking crew going down hill time in and time out and proving he can take responsibility for the team. Frankfurt followed Edoka´s energy while FC Bayern Basketball 2 didn´t play team basketball anymore and lost some discipline at both ends. The guests continued to lead with 10 points as Kodjoe and Susic hit shots, but Frankfurt didn´t wilt, but kept fighting as Dusan Nikolic added 6 points as his drive and aggressiveness carried him to success as Frankfurt trailed 85-79. The Skyliners Juniors continued to fight and defend with passion getting stops which led to a 7-0 run as Leif Zentgraf added 5 points and Edoka a lay in to trail only 89-87 with 1,35 to play. “Our pride took over. We didn´t want them to embarrass us. We really didn´t shoot well all game, but we just kept shooting and finally some shots fell foe us. We believed we could come back and played like men”, warned Dusan Nikolic. “We gave them hope. We are a young team and this is basketball. Things like that can happen. We allowed too many easy baskets”, commented Agust Kjartansson. But that was as close as Frankfurt would get. FC Bayern Basketball 2 stayed strong and didn´t fret. Sermpezis added free throws for the 91-78 lead. They then buckled down getting stops and got more free throws from Sermpezis and Gabriel to seal the victory. “We stayed calm. Sermpezis is a straight line driver and so important for us. He got to the basket at the end and made the free throws”, said Agust Kjartansson. “We gambled a bit at the end and couldn´t execute. They had more luck, but that can happen when they played better for 3 Quarters”, said Dusan Nikolic. FC Bayern Basketball 2 were led by Nikolas Sermpezis with 18 points. Agust Kjartansson added 12 points and Niclas Kodjoe had 11 points as did Adrijia Susic while the Skyliners Juniors were led by Jamie Edoka with 25 poiunts while Dusan Nikolic added 17 points. FC Bayern Basketball 2 shot 44% from the field and 40% from outside and had 35 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 45% from the field and 32% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 13 turnovers.

The Whole Team Believed In Chris Clemons(EWE Baskets Oldenburg) Being Able To Have A Historic Night With His 52 Points

Pic credit: Campbell University

There is no question that the EWE Baskets have always stood for quality in the last 20 years and obviously in the Rickey Paulding era where reaching the easyCredit BBL playoffs was as normal as Luka Doncic making at least 1 nifty trick shot before every NBA game no matter what arena he is balling in. However in the last years, times haven´t been as rosy for the club. They didn´t reach the BBL playoffs in 3 of the last 4 years and when the club began 0-4 this season, there was a big sense of concern early. It didn´t make matters easier when the big surprise team of the season Romerstrom Gladiators Trier arrived in Oldenburg with a 4-0 record for a Friday night clash. All eyes were on both teams. Could one keep their winning streak alive and could the other get their first win of the season. Did anyone expect 52 points from Chris Clemons (175-PG-1997, college: Campbell)? I doubt it, despite him showing all over the world that he had those capabilities. The EWE baskets fans got a historic display of explosive offensive basketball from Clemons and the team as well as their first dub of the season.

“It felt good because we knew what to do as a team and got out there and showed who we are as a team”, stressed EWE Baskets Oldenburg guard Ralph Hounnou.

Hounnou only played 2 minutes, but he had the perfect front row seat to see history being made in his living room. The first half was a tight affair as the EWE Baskets had the slim 51-50 advantage at the break. Other guys over the years have had great first halves scoring 20-25 points, but usually in the second half, the scoring goes down a bit where a player may finish with 35-40 points. Clemons had 25 points at the break. Did it seem like this could be a night where he could continue to go off in the second half?

“We believed in him and he had a hot night so I think we kind of pushed him to go for 40+”, added Ralph Hounnou

The turning point of the game came in the third quarter where the EWE Baskets took control of the game. The EWE Baskets Oldenburg outscored Trier 29-16. Clemons continued to remain hot adding 11 points and had 36 points at the end of 30 minutes. What was key on the defensive end for the EWE Baskets Oldenburg taking control of the game?

“I think sticking together and playing hard team defense, erasing the small details was the key point”, warned Ralph Hounnou.

The scoring rampage of the EWE Baskets Oldenburg didn´t stop in the fourth quarter as they produced 29 points and were able to achieve their first win of the season. Often times clubs will let up a bit in the fourth quarter as experimenting becomes a common thing, but that wasn´t the case with them as they managed the lead superbly until the buzzer.

“It was good to see that there was no let up, because we all knew what we are capable of and showed everybody who we are as a team”, commented Ralph Hounnou.

Clemons had 10 minutes left to score 14 points and reach the 50 points. The EWE Baskets Oldenburg led by 13 points going into the fourth quarter. Granted it wasn´t a 20 + points lead, but Clemons was so hot and the man, it was only logical to keep giving him the ball. He didn´t hesitate and continued to do work scoring 14 points in 4,05 minutes to reach the magical 50 points. His 50th point was also the teams 100th point. Did it seem like he was more in the zone in the second half than the first and does he know about the common donut rule?

“I felt we as team we were more in the zone and together and we kept executing with Chris continuing his hot night. Of course he knows the donut rule, I’m excited when he will bring it to practice”, said Ralph Hounnou.

The young German only played 2 minutes, but was still able to witness the scoring display from the bench. What was it like watching his incredible scoring day from the bench? Were you in awe?

“We all knew what Chris is capable of and we were just happy for him that he had such an excellent night”, added Ralph Hounnou.

That Chris Clemons has been a walking life his whole life is no secret. Scoring 50 + points in his life wasn´t the first time. He has showed in the NCAA that he could do it nailing Hampton for 52 points and in China had his career high of 56 points. Not everyone knew about his career stats though that he has scored 50 + points in 3 different countries.

“I didn’t know that’s dope to know”, stated Ralph Hounnou.

Chris Clemon´s 52 points was the most in the German easyCredit BBL since 1993 when Sergej Babkov of Trier hit Bayreuth for 51 points. The easyCredit BBL scoring record stands at 65 points from American Keith Gray in 1988. That seems to be a total that most likely won´t be broken again. Will we see another 50 points in the BBL again?

“I don’t think anybody is going to get 50+ like that. It is yet alone already hard to score 40 or 30+ in the BBL”, warned Ralph Hounnou.

The highlight of the Friday night win was definitely Chris Clemon´s 52 points and the win stood a bit in the shadow. Can a win like this and the magical 52 points be the turnaround for the EWE Baskets Oldenburg?

“We always knew what we can do and we will keep continuing our hard work on and off the court to get as many wins and come as far as we can”, stressed Ralph Hounnou.

The EWE Baskets Oldenburg next have #14 Rostock and then #10 Ludwigsburg. The easyCredit BBL is as competitive as ever. The EWE Baskets Oldenburg aren´t playing international competition and have extra time to get better every day. Clemons will surely net a few 30+ point games this season and heck maybe even hit 40 points again. Never say no to 50 points from him again, but I think everyone only cares about a winning streak now. Anything more from Clemons explosive scoring will only be added icing on the cake.

Urald King(Vet-Concept Gladiators Trier) Has Come A Long Way Since Playing In Bad Aibling 10 Years Ago To Winning In The Berlin Uber Arena Recently

Pic credit: Simon Engelbert

Urald King (198-F-1990, college: SE Oklahoma) is a 35 year old 198cm forward from West Monroe, Louisiana playing his 10th professional season and first with the VET-CONCEPT Gladiators Trier (Germany-BBL). He has gathered experience in Iceland where he played parts of 4 seasons as well as in countries like Germany, France, Finland, Austria, Denmark and Israel. He began his basketball career at West Monroe high school and then played at Southeastern Oklahoma State University (NCAA) from 2010-2014 and as a senior averaged 16.9ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 58.8%, FT: 67.1%. He spoke to eurobasket before a cup game against the Telekom Baskets Bonn.

Thanks Urald for talking to eurobasket.com. Congrats on the great 4-0 start. How good is basketball life for you at the moment?

Basketball life is perfect, when your team is 4-0 what better start can you ask for.

The Romerstrom Gladiators are 4-0 at the moment and the big surprise in the league. Is it fair to say the team has taken the momentum from last season into this season?

Absolutely! Obviously I wasn’t here last season but the message has been clear, the goal was never to be happy just to be in the BBL but to competitive. The board did a great job of keeping the core together and finding complimentary players like myself to add to the roster to keep and build on the momentum.

The Gladiators were 10 years in the second division (Pro A) and now back in the easyCredit BBL. Do you sense that proudness of being back in the first league with the day to day work from everyone in the organization?

For sure, from day 1 we were told how important it was to the city and fans to reach the BBL again. With every practice, game, and promotional events for the club you can feel the pride of being back in the BBL.

The team kept many players from last season and only had to integrate a few guys. How easy has the transition been for you coming from the Danish league?

It’s been up and down. My role is a bit different from what I had in the Danish league so I had to make those adjustments. But as you mentioned there’s a lot of core pieces back from last season so they’ve done a great job of helping me get up to speed.

The goal is to win 12 games and the team already has 4 wins. You won titles in Iceland, Austria and Denmark and knows how winning teams tick. How special are the Gladiators and aren´t they better than a team that has the goal to win 12 games?

It’s still too early to determine how special this team is or will be but I will say we have a group of guys (especially the coaches) who come to work everyday and put their best foot forward. When you’re around a group of men like this the sky’s the limit.

You have played for many coaches in your career. How unique has Jacques Schneider been? He seems to make coming to work fun

I have been globetrotter but the great thing I can say about Jacques is he does make it fun and he’s relatable. He does a great job of making you feel comfortable and you’re able to communicate with him on a personal level. And he also does a great job of holding everyone accountable no matter if you’re a 10+ year guy like Me, JJ, or Maik or a rookie.

How unique is the treasure chest? Do you feel like this has given the players an extra motivation to perform well in games?

I think the treasure chest is a creative tool for the team and it helps keep the excitement because you naturally grow curious as to whats inside of it. Also, We understand we’re a newly promoted team to the BBL and most nights we’ll be the underdogs and the opportunity to play on this stage is motivation too.

You beat Alba Berlin and Bamberg back to back. Nobody in Trier would ever have believed that could happen in 2015, but this season it happens. How special was winning in Berlin in that atmosphere?

For me personally it was amazing!! I started my career off in Bavaria, in Regionalliga II so getting a chance to play in an arena with 10k+ people there was extraordinary. And from a team standpoint it showed us that we’re capable of being anyone on any given night.

One good sign so far has been that Trier won the last 3 games in crunch time and by slim margins against Berlin, Bamberg and Braunschweig. What does that tell you about a team that can win like that so early in the season?

It comes down to our late game execution, we know our roles and we stick to them. Also we understand most games in this league will be close in the end so it’s all about execution and we’ve done a great job of that thus far.

The team can score, rebounds well and have shot the ball solidly from outside. What do you believe is this team´s biggest strength?

I think our biggest strength is we’re an egoless team. We all know our roles and play them but we also understand on any given night it can be your night (to be the leading scorer) so we’re all ready.

The club allows 82 points on average. Is tightening up the defensive end one of the biggest areas to improve?

Of course, this league is full of talent and we understand we can’t win every game based off our offensive abilities alone.

How have you experienced team captain Maik Zirbes best this season? The ex Euroleague player can do it all on the court and even run marathons off the court.

Maik is a very experienced player as you said and he does a great job of leading us from a leadership standpoint. Honestly speaking as productive as Maik has been, I think he’s just now starting to hit his stride and the league will see how much more he has to offer.

Behnam Yakhchali is an incredible player that can do it all and knows how to make crucial plays. What have you learned to appreciate the most from him?

Behnam, B as we call him is an extremely poised player you never see him fluster or speed up he plays at his own pace. He’s a very experienced player and has a good feel for the game. He does a great job of putting guys in the right positions to be successful and is a great shooter.

You played with a true leader with Skyler Bowlin in Denmark and now play with Jordan Roland. He led Trier last season to the Pro A title. Could he become a top point guard in the BBL this season?

I definitely believe Jordan can be a top point guard in this league. He’s great under pressure and has the ability to make difficult shots.

Your averaging 11/6/1 and shooting 41% from outside. How content have you been with your play? You have adjusted well and proven you can be a impact player in the best league you have played in in your career?

I think if anyone has followed me throughout my career they’ll notice I can adjust in any circumstance and this is no different. Yes, this is the highest level I’ve played out but I have a great feel of the game and no matter the level I know how to be productive.

You have shown your whole career that you fill the stat sheet and be an impact player at both ends. What exactly is your role on the team?

My role is to be consistent. We had a rid range of scores so my role is to help space the court, rebound at a high level, defend, bring energy to the game, and make shots when they come my way.

Trier wants to keep their winning streak alive with a win in the cup against Bonn on Friday. Bonn is finding their groove after losing their first 2 BBL games and now have a 2 game winning streak. They are a team that average 73 points per game and allow 73 points per game. What will be key to getting the win?

The key points to the game is to make them adapt to our playing style. We’re currently undefeated for a reason so we don’t want to change what’s been successful but we also want to focus on being physical and making them uncomfortable.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Nolan Adekunle?

Nolan is a very good player but I will always bet on myself.

Thanks Urald for the chat.

Head Coach Max Becker(Dragons Rhondorf) Wants To Help Bring Excitement Back To The Dragon Dome

pic credit: Martin Jung

Only a couple of seasons ago, the Dragons Rhondorf were about to commence on their breathtaking Pro B title season that presented so many happy faces in the Dragon Dome that season. Germany had just become World Champion and Harry Kane was in the starting gate of his scoring mission and winning ways with FC Bayern Munich. Who can forget the players that season that featured guys like Kelvin Omojola, Avery Sullivan, Tyrese Blunt and Badu Buck. Those are memories that will last a lifetime. Only 1 player remains from that season with Lagui Diallo and from last season add on Kenan Reinhart. A lot has changed in this time, but if a Dragon fan becomes really sad and wants to relive those memories in another place, who knows it might happen only a short 49 minute 41 kilometer ride down the Rhine river to Koblenz. There you will see coaches Dohrn, Sherril and Schallenberg as well as Badu Buck. But that is in the past and the Dragons Rhondorf want to make new history this season. They made a house cleaning and inserted a new coach with 26 year old Max Becker . At first glance, he looks like a kid, but he definitely coaches like a man. ““He may look like a kid, but he can get mad. Then he definitely doesn´t act like a kid. He is still young, but I´m confident that he will do a good job”, stressed Kenan Reinhart. Becker did a good job coaching the Bonn/Rhondorf NBBL team and knows his new team well as he has guys from last season´s team this season. “I´m not nervous, but have positive joy. I have full confidence of all involved. I´m really motivated for the season”, stated Max Becker . Does he feel pressure taking over the pro B team? “Not really. I feel relaxed. I have incredible people around me from Bonn/Rhondorf and their full trust. The work ethic and communication of all is very positive. I mean there is always pressure, but that is why we do the job”, expressed Max Becker . His personal goal is straight forward. “I want to bring that fan excitement back to the Dragon Dome. We have had our ups and downs the last season. I was born into this organization. I know what kind of excitement has been here before. I want to help bring that excitement back”, warned Max Becker.

The organization hauled in a core of 3 very experienced players that will be share the responsibility of leading the team. With giant Daniel Mayr, they have a player that has Euroleague experience with FC Bayern Munich and was the best shot blocker in the Pro B 3 times. With Juhwan Harris-Dyson, their new version of a Swiss army knife who by the way is a scoring bucket having showed it in Herford and Hagen and Jorge Mejias who played youth basketball at Real Madrid at the same time as Luka Doncic was there a few years before his departure to the NBA in 2018. Mejias is a solid scorer and great playmaker who averaged 6,0apg with Iserlohn last season. With Lagui Diallo the team has a great team player and energizer that can get hot at times from outside and shut down the other teams best player. Ex RheinStar Cologne guard Kenan Reinhart has high expectations this season and would like to average 10,0ppg in the Pro B. Will he make the next step? “Kenan is very ambitious. He knows what he gets from me and I from him. He has worked hard. I feel like he has already improved his game this summer. I see him taking on a bigger role”, warned Max Becker . The club also hauled in talented big men Duje Dujmovic and Benjamin Sadikovic. Dujmovic made the next step in Neustadt last season averaging 10/4 and Sadikovic averaged 5/4 in Oberaching last season. “They both have a lot of potential despite their age. Both are really focused and alert in the BBL Bonn practices”, stated Max Becker . Another interesting pick up was Dusan “Mr quick release” Ilic who averaged 20,0ppg and 10,oapg with BBA Hagen in the NBBL. He is only 16, but has the potential for the next step. The team also has many young guys with Carlo Schmid, Remi Voelkers, Vuk Scepanovic, David Boning, Leonard Franzen, Fynn Dobiecki, Malik Idbihi and Tom Viehofer prepared to get minutes. “We have 10 of the 16 man roster that are NBBL players. They all will have a chance to play, but need to earn it”, warned Max Becker .

So what kind of a play style will the Dragons Rhondorf showcase in games? “We will play at a high pace with quick decisions and play very aggressive defense. We want to take the advantages that are presented to us on the court with our height, shooting or on the pick and roll”, warned Max Becker . Two years ago, the Dragons Rhondorf had 3 very potent bigs with Avery Sullivan, Leon Bullic and Ferenc Gille, but despite that were more of a shooting team. Last season, they had even less of a big man presence with only center Danas Kazakevicious. This season there are 3 bigs. Will there be more focus on the bigs? “Yes definitely. We will focus on the pick and roll and have more opportunities as well to get our shooters involved. Our bigs will be very much involved”, commented Max Becker . Will the team have enough scoring power? Will there be more go to guys than only Mejias, Harris-Dyson or Mayr? “I feel like we have a very balanced team. It will always depend on the game, opportunity and situation. I have the highest confidence that everyone will have the confidence to take the big shot”, warned Max Becker . On defense the name of the game will be being aggressive. That is something that each player will have plastered in their mind. “We will be aggressive at all times in all defensive forms. We will always be active on defense and not be passive and react”, stated Max Becker . Becker is very confident in his time so early in the season and also has an ambitious season goal. “We want to get the best positive result in the standings and in the development of the players. We believe in ourselves and want to reach the playoffs”, warned Max Becker . It will be interesting to see where the journey of the Dragons Rhondorf will go. They will have to find a defensive identity quickly as the Pro B North is never a cake walk. We know what we will get from the experienced guys, but getting consistency from young players will be vital for the team having a shot at the playoffs. I see the team landing somewhere between 7-11 in the season

Niklas Pons Remembers Isaac Bonga Already Being Ambitious And Leading The Team As A Youth Player

Pic credit: FIBA

Niklas Pons (192-SG-1999) is a 26 year old 192cm guard that is playing his ninth season with TV Langen playing 112 games in his career there and this season averaged 12/3/5/1 and helped win the South West Regionalliga title. He also played 3 seasons with the Frankfurt Skyliners Juniors and was a member of the U-16 youth national team. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the success of German basketball.

Thanks Niklas for talking to eurobasket.com Germany is Euro Champion 2025. What kind of a feeling does this give you involved with German basketball?
I was very happy and I believe German basketball is on the right path.

Is it crazy to have predicted a Gold medal before the tournament started? If you had to guess how many German basketball fans out of 10 would have predicted the Gold before the tournament how many would it have been under your estimation?

3 out of 10 would have believed that Germany could win european Championship.

It was the 2 best teams in the tournament with Germany and Turkey at 8-0. Was this the top final compared to the 1993 final vs Russia and 2023 final vs Serbia?

Unfortunately, I wasn’t born yet back then and can’t remember it.

How did you experience the final. The game was a real dog fight with Turkey leading by as much as 11 points and being very strong. What got Germany the Gold medal after 40 minutes.

Germany ended up winning because, on the one hand, they have more depth, and on the other hand, everyone brought their strengths to the team.

There has always been talk about the intense mentality, great team character and togetherness of Germany the last years. How does one keep developing it and not losing it over time?

The hunger for medals/success drives the guys. Also, knowing that you can win even more with this special team.

There was a time in the 80s and 90s where you said in German football and after 90 minutes Germany always wins. I feel like there is this mentality now in German basketball. I was never fearing a los in the fourth quarter even when Turkey was up by 6 points.

The whole game I thought they had another gear left in the tank and would win in the end.

What was key down the stretch that Germany could win the game. How much of a factor was the deep bench of Germany?

The deep bench gives the German team so many more options in their play, making them very difficult to scout. On top of that, it helps when the guys coming off the bench provide important energy.

How valuable was Franz Wagner for this tournament. How is he a better player now than in 2023 despite 2 years of more experience?

He has improved in every category. What I especially like is his transition offense with his Euro step.

You played NBBL youth basketball with Isaac Bonga. He is world champion and Euro champion. Did you notice a sort of winner mentality in Frankfurt that was starting to develop there?

Isaac was always very ambitious and even as a young player already led the team.

Isaac Bonga continues to grow as a player since coming back from the NBA? Shouldn’t a tournament like this and especially how his game has developed the last 3 years give him another NBA opportunity?

I would be very happy if Isaac got a second chance in the NBA. In my opinion, he has shown that he can make life difficult for superstars with his defense. Offensively, he is a threat.

You either like or dislike Dennis Schroeder, but he came up big in the second half after being closed down well in the first half. How do explain his unbelievable ability to be able to turn around the lever and play like a winner when his team needs it most?

Dennis’ ability to take over in crucial moments is incredible and probably one of the best there will ever be.

I have never understood that despite showing the last years what an incredible leader he is for Germany, he gets overlooked by NBA teams and has been a journeyman? Do NBA bosses have the wrong perception of him?

I think the NBA executives have the wrong picture of him. Dennis gets better every year, and I’m sure he can lead a team – provided he is given the trust.

Dirk Nowitzki has been the GOAT of German basketball for more than 15 years. With the World and Euro won, Is Dennis Schroeder at Nowitzki’s level in terms of being in the same category as him?

For me, both are the GOATs of their era. You shouldn’t compare them since they are two different types of players.

One of the big winners was Alan Ibrahimagic went from assistant coach to Euro head coach winner. How valuable was his input? What do you believe could he still give a team that already had all the pieces of being a winning team?

Alan helped the guys in the sense that he gave them a lot of freedom and has known most of them for a very long time.

There were some nice plays in the final like Isaac Bonga’s dunk or Franz Wagner’s mega block. What was your favorite play of the final?

Every play was a highlight. You really have to watch the whole game.

This dynasty should go on. The future still looks good with a nucleus of the Wagner brothers, Tristan Da Silva, Andi Obst, Isaac Bonga and Isaiah Hartenstein plus the new wave of guys like Ivan Kharchenkov, Hannes Steinbach, Johan Grunloh, Christian Anderson and others. Does Germany have the mentality to keep it going with the new wave of players that you have seen the last years?

I believe Germany has a lot of potential, and that the successful generations will show the next ones how to win.

Often now adays the talk is young players aren’t as hungry as back in the day. In other words players today aren’t challenged enough with too many outside influences. What makes young German players different than young players from other countries in this generation?

I think that hunger is becoming rarer, since many kids nowadays have so many opportunities to get jobs. Basketball is no longer the one and only option.

Thanks Niklas for the chat.

Kenan Reinhart Pulls Out The Microwave Leading The Dragons Rhondorf to 83-80 Win Over Racing Luxemburg

The road to the start of the 2025-2026 Pro B season continues for the Dragons Rhondorf as they continue to test all they can to be ready for the new season. The club continues to showcase good performances were 3-0 having beaten Pro B teams Frankfurt, Neustadt and Rist Wedel. The club has demonstrated early on that the new coach Max Becker and his young team are on the same page defensively. The next test was against Luxemburg team Racing that moved up to the first division from the second division. It was the first test for the ex Pro A team in their living room Dragon Dome and 100 fans came out in support to see an interesting pre season duel as the Dragons Rhondorf survived a late scare by Racing Luxemburg to win 83-80. Racing Luxemburg did a great job reaching the free throw line 42 times, but missed 21 shots which severely hindered their chances to win while the Dragons Rhondorf secured 57 rebounds and were a real force with 24 offensive rebounds and played an overall superb team game having 5 guys in double figures led by Mr microwave Kenan Reinhart who led his team with 17 points. “I feel like we only played our real game for 10-20 minutes. Our focus was gone at the end. Even if our rebounding was a problem at the start, we came back and rebounded well. We were able to win this game through individual qualities”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf guard Kenan Reinhart. Racing Luxemburg had to overcome double figure leads by the Dragons Rhondorf, but never gave up and were in it until the end. They most likely would have won had they been able to connect better from the free throw line. “I love how we fought today. We were down in the third and fourth quarters, but always found an answer and came back. I´m proud of every player. We even had a chance at the end. We missed too many free throws and gave up too many offensive rebounds. All in all, it was a fun game”, stressed Racing Luxemburg forward Antonio Bivins.

Luis Soragha to the rim

The Dragons Rhondorf did get the lead 1-0 with a Daniel Mayr free throw, but Racing Luxemburg suddenly came to life taking the 8-3 lead as Miami native American Antonio walking bucket Bivins who once had a monster 52/24 game in Luxemburg scored 3 of the 4 baskets with all lay in´s as he displayed sheer athleticism. Rhondorf had problems with offensive execution and 1-1 defense, but slowly came out of their funk getting lay in´s by ex Iserlohn guard Jorge Mejias and Reinhart to trail 8-7. However Racing Luxemburg who were led by Bivins energy continued to carry the team with another lay while Steven Lanners who has played a decade with the team scored lay in´s for the 15-10 advantage. However the Dragons Rhondorf dead locked the game at 15-15 with an off balance runner by Dusan Ilic and a three pointer by Lagui Diallo. However Racing Luxemburg continued to be in scoring mood as they got a trey by Croatian guard Emmanuel Loncaric and a lay in by Colorado native Brendan Temple to lead 22-17 after 10 minutes. “We had a bad start. We showed little energy and focus. We didn´t make open looks early, but found our rhythm better late in the quarter and got back into the game”, stated Kenan Reinhart. Racing Luxemburg shot 42% from the field and 29% from outside and had 12 rebounds and 2 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 33% from the field and 10% from outside and had 16 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

Dusan Ilic at the FT line

In the second quarter Racing Luxemburg got away early from the Dragons Rhondorf and led by 9 points, but the Dragons Rhondorf battled back and had the 38-37 lead at half-time. Racing Luxemburg took off on a 6-2 run to lead 27-19 thanks to 4 points by versatile center Brendan Temple who displayed a beautiful bag of left hand, right hand, runners and floaters in his game. But Rhondorf did a good job using their height as ex Oberaching center Benjamin Sadikovic and young German Carlo Schmid scored on the pick and roll as Rhondorf trailed only 32-25. However Racing Luxemburg continued to keep up the pressure getting a lay in by Luis Soragha who is playing his 13th season with the team to lead 35-27. But the Dragons Rhondorf staged a late second quarter come back going on a 11-2 run to totally turn around the game and lead by 1 point after 2 quarters. In the run, the Dragons Rhondorf were led by California native and Swiss army knife Juhwan Harris Dyson with 3 buckets on the drive and including one on transition. Defensively the Dragons held the paint area with force with Daniel Mayr and Sadikovic. The Dragons Rhondorf also did a great job limiting Bivins with points from the field who had massive problems at the free throw line going 0/6 at half-time and was 4/15 for the game. “This had to be my worst game ever from the free throw line. I just didn´t feel comfortable with the ball in my hands. I will continue to attack and just need to make my free throws”, warned Antonio Bivins. “It was an up and down quarter for us. We were more aggressive getting to the rim and rebounded better. We also held Bivins better in check”, stated Kenan Reinhart. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 32% from the field and 6% from the three point line and had 34 rebounds and 9 turnovers while Racing Luxemburg shot 36% from the field and 13% from the three point line and had 21 rebounds and 7 turnovers.

Juhwan Harris Dyson form downtown

In the third quarter the Dragons Rhondorf took control of the game with a big run and led 69-56 after 30 minutes. Mayr began with free throws and then Harris Dyson and Bivins traded buckets as the Dragons Rhondorf had the slim 42-39 advantage. Back in the 80´d Detroit Piston Vinnie Johnson showed his microwave moments heating up and in Rhondoerf, they have their own microwave with Kenan Reinhart who led the Dragons Rhondorf on a 12-4 run as he scored 10 points in the run. “I wasn´t shooting well up to that point, but I just kept shooting. That really helped my self confidence”, said Kenan Reinhart. He made 2 lay up´s and nailed 2 three´s as well. Rhondorf did a good job during this run keeping the guests away from the free throw line. Racing Luxemburg kept fighting led by Bivins who continued to be a beast in the paint getting 2 buckets, but Rhondorf still led 57-48. The Reinhart push really carried his team as they continued to execute well as Ilic made a lay in on transition and trey while Diallo also made a three pointer as Racing Luxemburg trailed 66-49. The defensive intensity by the Dragons Rhondorf was really strong in the third quarter and the bigs continued to be a wall for Racing Luxemburg. Benjamin Sadikovic made a lay in at the buzzer to close out the third quarter. “We took the momentum for the second quarter. My shots gave the team motivation. We also were able to play our game in this phase as well”, added Kenan Reinhart. “They found the open man and we scrambled on defense. But we never put our heads down and kept fighting and trying to come back”, said Antonio Bivins. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 40% from the field and 20% from the parking lot and had 50 rebounds and 16 turnovers while Racing Luxemburg shot 33% from the field and 17% from the parking lot and had 29 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

Antonio Bivins at the FT line

In the fourth quarter Racing Luxemburg came back, but couldn´t get over the hump as the free throw line once again let them down. Mejias began the fourth quarter with a pull up jumper, but Racing Luxemburg then staged a brutal 12-0 run to trail only 71-68. In the run the guests got key support from Temple who added 6 points including a pretty left handed hook shot, but the bench also stepped up as Johan Bouttet hit a three pointer as did Angelo Caruso. Bivins also got into the action with a lay in. The Dragons Rhondorf lost their intensity while the guests stepped up their energy a few levels and played with emotion. ”I think with Schmid getting hurt may have brought us out of our rhythm. We did a good job stopping their bigs, but weren´t ready for Lanners”, said Kenan Reinhart. The Dragons Rhondorf held on to the lead, but couldn´t shake Racing Luxemburg. The Dragons went inside again something that helped them in other phases of the game. Giant Daniel Mayr added 6 points including a three pointer and led 79-71 with a few minutes to play. But Racing Luxemburg had found a way to come back all game long and did it again adding more intensity on defense and got 2 clutch three from sniper veteran Steve Lanners to trail only 79-77. “I love him. He is a great shooter and guy. We have so much confidence in him”, stressed Antonio Bivins. Reinhart then stroked home a trey and Mejias added a free throw, but Lanners wasn´t done yet as he nailed another trey to trail only 83-80 with less than a minute to play. Temple made a steal on Mejias which led to Lanners being fouled at the free throw line. He missed all 3. Game over. “We won´t win games if we miss so many free throws”, stated Antonio Bivins. “I remember asking Sadikovic why did you foul him. He will make them all. I was very surprised he missed all 3”, added Kenan Reinhart. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Kenan Reinhart with 17 points. Lagui Diallo added 12 points while Racing Luxemburg were led by Antonio Bivins with 24 points and Brendan Temple had 18 points and 10 rebounds. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 39% from the field and 22% from outside and had 57 rebounds and 21 turnovers while Racing Luxemburg shot 37% from the field and 28% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 16 turnovers.