news

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

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

Jonathan Maier at the FT line

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

Evcan Taylor with off balance shot

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

Robin Benzing from downtown

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

Leo Saffer at the FT line

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

Mr Perfect Ivan Crnjac Goes 12/12 With 33 Points Powering Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners Past The Niners Chemnitz Academy 114-90

Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners continue to be on a mission as their winning ways continue as they were sprouting an excellent 6-0 record. They have been successful with good team basketball led by their trio of Crnjac, Omog and Edoka. But they knew that if they wanted to take their unbeaten streak into Christmas, they would have to get by the Niners Chemnitz again. Last weekend, the 2 clubs had met in Chemnitz where Frankfurt escaped with a thrilling 95-93 victory where Ivan Crnjac (203-F-2007) led the charge with 21 points. Despite the Niners Chemnitz having a 3-4 record, Frankfurt couldn´t underestimate them and had to be on their A game to continue their winning streak. Frankfurt was without Namori Omog while Chemnitz was without 3 key players. On a mild Sunday afternoon in Frankfurt, history was made as German shooting star Ivan Crnjac had a perfect game going 12/12 from the field and 3/3 from the free throw powering Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners past the Niners Chemnitz Academy 114-90. “Ivan was in a little shooting slump, but it was only a phase. He is an outstanding shooter. He has that quick high release and just knows how to shoot”, stressed Skyliners Juniors head coach Sepher Tarrah. But it wasn´t only Crnjac who sparkled, but the whole team came together and had an amazing offensive game shooting out the lights. Frankfurt let up on the defensive end in the second half, but a win is all that matters in the end. “In the first half, we hit everything. It was crazy. It is only normal that a team won´t have as much focus and energy after a first half like that. I still think that we played well. I´m really proud of the team”, stressed Frankfurt forward Ivan Crnjac. Then Niners Chemnitz Academy stepped up their game in the second half outscoring Frankfurt 49-43 and showed real heart never giving up and playing hard until the end. “We let Frankfurt catch their rhythm to quickly at the start. Their quick start decided the game early. That hurt us mentally. We have to come out with more pride and play together more. We played with more pride in the second half. We gave up too many open three´s. We have to do a better job closing out and helping on rotations”, added Niners Chemnitz Academy Academy player Daniel Duhajsky.

Maximillian Peters with the lay in

In the first quarter Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners exploded for an incredible 41 points while Niners Chemnitz Academy Academy mustered only 22 points which would have looked normal in almost any other kind of circumstance. Frankfurt got off to a rapid start leading 7-2 as Ivan Crnjac added 5 points. The Niners Chemnitz Academy stayed tough and tied the game at 7-7 with a bucket from Duhajsky and a trey from Chris Wahren. But Frankfurt were just getting started as they exploded on a 21-6 run to lead very comfortably 28-13. In the run Frankfurt continued to play great team basketball as the duo of Crnjac and Julius Messer added 8 points apiece and 2 three´s a piece. Frankfurt was defending aggressively getting stops which heighted their self confidence for their offensive sets. Frankfurt didn´t let up and continued to execute excellent at both ends of the court. Frankfurt continued to share the ball nicely as Maximillian Peters scored as did Julius Messer and Crnjac added 4 more points. The Frankfurt bench also stepped up as German Finley Pruever made a steal and transition basket. It would have looked a lot worse for Chemnitz, but talented Luca Kellig added 6 points late to give them a bit of energy. “Frankfurt gave a real offensive firework. After a while you had the feeling of not knowing who scored as so many scored. We had great ball movement and the bench stepped up. Many guys on the bench would start for other teams”, stated Fraport Skyliners Juniors head coach Sepehr Tarrah. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot an overwhelming 85% from the field and 75% from outside and had 5 rebounds and 2 turnovers while The Niners Chemnitz Academy shot 62% from the field and 40% from outside and had 3 rebounds and 5 turnovers.

Luca Kellig at the FT line

In the second quarter Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners didn´t score as dominantly as in the first quarter, but tightened up their defense allowing only 17 points and led 71-41 at half-time. Ivan Crnjac was 7/7 in the first quarter and in the second quarter began quickly hitting his shots making 3 more shots to be 10/10 at the break. He made a left handed hook and 2 reverse layups where the team displayed incredible unselfishness as the extra pass was the sixth man. Lennard Glowka added 2 baskets, but Frankfurt still had the immense 51-29. It seemed like almost anything Frankfurt attempted to do on offense worked. Everybody got minutes and gave their 2 cents in the win. Role player Chris Widmer who usually doesn´t get many minutes made a runner and finished with 6 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists in 14 minutes. “I respect Chris´s game a lot. He brings great energy from the bench and has good basketball qualities. He is a very good teammate”, stressed Ivan Crnjac. Greek player Konstantinos Kapetanakis gave Frankfurt additional energy from the bench with a trey to give Frankfurt the 56-30 advantage. He finished with 7 points and 2 dimes in 11 minutes. “He is a real hustler. He defends the way how Greek players do in Greece. He is a very aggressive defender. He needs to find more calmness though as a point guard. But he just came back from an injury”, stated Ivan Crnjac. Frankfurt continued to execute well, but so did The Niners Chemnitz Academy Academy, but they couldn´t get over the hump. Frankfurt got 2 more baskets from Julius Messer, but also additional support from the bench as Pruever nailed a trey, Widmer a lay in and Fabrice Heberer made free throws. “We got many easy baskets. I would estimate somewhere around 40 of the 71 were easy baskets. I feel like the 41 points were ok in a game that had a high tempo and many possessions”, stated Sephehr Tarrah. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot 77% from the field and 69% from the three point line and had 18 rebounds and 4 turnovers while The Niners Chemnitz Academy shot 45% from the field and 36% from the three point line and had 11 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Fabrice Heberer from downtown

In the third quarter The Niners Chemnitz Academy had their strongest quarter outscoring Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners 26-20, but still trailed 91-67 after 3 quarters. Frankfurt got real hot going on a massive 14-2 run to have the overwhelming 85-43 lead. In the run, Jamie Edoka hit a trey while Messer made a lay in on transition while Ivan Crnjac added 9 points with 2 three´s and three free throws. It would be the last points and shots that Ivan Crnjac would take on this night. His incredible stat line was 33 points in 19 minutes at that point. “I feel great with this perfect game. It was my first in my career. It gives me added self-confidence that I really need now. I had been in a shooting slump during the last few Pro B games. I´m really relived to shoot so well. A perfect game is best for the self-confidence. I actually had a bad feeling going in as my index finger was tapped as some skin had rubbed off before the game. I was taking all my shots using my last 3 fingers and not my index finger pushing off. But it worked in my favor”, smiled Ivan Crnjac. That was about all the offense that Frankfurt would display in the third quarter as The Niners Chemnitz Academy took a page from Frankfurt´s excellent execution closing out the third quarter with a lethal 24-6 run to trail only by 24 points after 3 quarters. In the run, the guests got solid production from many sides as their team basketball sparkled. Chris Wahren added 6 points with 2 three´s while Glowka added 5 points while the Alfons brother chipped in with 7 points. “Our intensity went down. We began well with a big run, but then just lost our intensity. The whole team let up on defense. We were unconcentrated. We had the win wrapped up in our minds. I wish we could of finished the game better, but that is part of the game”, warned Ivan Crnjac. “We did a good job sticking together and trusting each other. We just stuck to the game plan and hit more shots. With more points, our confidence rose”, added Daniel Duhajsky. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot 71% from the field and 63% from the parking lot and had 24 rebounds and 9 turnovers while The Niners Chemnitz Academy Shot 50% from the field and 36% from the parking lot and had 18 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Alfons Milatz with the drive

In the fourth quarter both teams executed well on offense, but The Niners Chemnitz Academy couldn´t make any ground as both teams swapped 23 points apiece. The guests began quickly getting 2 baskets from Duhajsky and 1 from Glowka, but Julius Messer slowed down some of that energy nailing back to back three´s giving Frankfurt some extra leverage leading 97-73. Messer has been back a few weeks after a long injury, but he has needed no adjustment time as he finished with 26 points in 25 minutes. “He is a very interesting player. He is a real athlete. He has a good combination between strength and quickness. He is a 3 level scorer”, stated Sepher Tarrah. After German Noah Spindler hit a trey, it was Jamie Edoka who hit the 101 points and has donuts duty for the team. He continued to be aggressive adding a three pointer and dunk for the 106-84 lead. Down the stretch, Spindler added another trey as did Fabrice Heberer. It was a game where offense ruled as a total of 204 points were produced. Ivan Crnjac played 4 plus minutes in the fourth quarter but attempted no shots to remain perfect. “I didn´t want to force anything at the end. I let other guys take over”, stated Ivan Crnjac. “We wanted to finish with pride. We defended a lot better and just finished strong”, stated Daniel Duhajsky. “We weren´t in the game anymore. We made many turnovers not from their defense, but our offense. We played for ourselves”, added Ivan Crnjac. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners were led by Ivan Crnjac with 33 points. Julius Messer added 26 points while Jamie Edoka had 23 points, 12 boards and 5 assists while The Niners Chemnitz Academy were led by Lennard Glowka with 21 points. Daniel Duhajsky added 20 points and Luca Kellig 16 points. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot 69% from the field and 62% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 14 turnovers while The Niners Chemnitz Academy shot 52% from the field and 37% from outside and had 22 rebounds and 13 turnovers.

The Miles Vs Malik Riddle Weekly Basketball Chat Volume 7

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

The winning streak has come to an end as Wurzburg won 91-81. Despite the loss could the loss be like a little blessing in disguise?

This loss could help us get back to playing like was did during first few games. It showed us that we have to play harder and better on defense.

They began 0-6 and now have a 5 game winning streak. This team is for real. Did you underestimate them a bit as a team?

No I don’t think we underestimated them. I ust feel we’ve been playing without our energy in the past couple games and this was just the end of it.

I saw how lethal the Wishart/Steinbach duo was last weekend in Frankfurt, but I think they were a little better this week combining for 37 points, 16 rebounds, 18 assists, 5 steals and 5 blocks. Is that team more than just those 2?

Those two are for sure the back bones of the team, but they had a couple guys make some shots. I feel the whole team played hard.

Talk about the first half. They dominated in the first quarter and the RheinStars in the second quarter, but the game was deadlocked at 49-49 at the break. What adjustments did you make as a team in the second quarter?

I feel we were just patient and executing like we usually do. We got out of our game and the hurt us.

The RheinStars went on a little run late, but it just wasn´t enough. Was their 22 offensive rebounds the biggest thorn in the side of the RheinStars?

Yeah the offensive rebounds hurt us a lot. If we would’ve rebounded better I believe the outcome would have been better than it was.

You had a 8/3/2 game and shot 4/12 from the field. What will be your biggest focus this week in practice?

Just practice harder and try to find a rhythm more for myself. I know I can perform better and I will.

You next play against the pesky Oberaching team. What will be key for the win?

Getting back to us as a team. Hopefully this loss makes us get back to how we were playing the first couple games of the season. Rebound, be more aggressive on the defense end.

Thanks Malik for the chat

Jordan Theodore´s Nephew Brought Him Back Love For The Game Again And Wants To Coach When His Playing Days Are Over

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Jordan Theodore in Frankfurt, Germany Dec, 2024

If I had to choose a few former Skyliners from the last decade that of course were still playing now and available that I would have liked to have returned back to Frankfurt to help the team as best as possible, I could pick from one hand about 3 players and they would have been a Philip Scrubb, Joe Voigtman or a Jordan Theodore (183-PG-1989, college: Seton Hall). I mean you can never go wrong with these 3 winners who went on to have great careers after helping Frankfurt win the 2016 Fiba Europe Cup. When I saw the Skyliners press release recently that Jordan Theodore would return for a third tour of duty, I was really overjoyed. He might not have had been able to help keep the team in the easyCredit BBL in 2023, but after I saw how good he was moving and playing in the tough loss against Braunschweig minus the 5 turnovers, I´m optimistic that he can turn the season around for the Skyliners. But was his coming back into a precarious situation a no brainer or more of a difficult decision? “I think that it was more difficult. I have a good relationship with Gunnar Wobke and we had been in contact during the season, I wasn´t sure if I wanted to come back. I always love to play. My thinking had nothing to do with the team record, but with me. I had other offers and said no. Coming back to the Skyliners felt good”, stressed Jordan Theodore. His first 2 tour of duties, he was fortunate to be teammates with Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson, but now he is gone and forever will be remembered. It must be very strange for him being without him. “ It is weird. With him gone, now I´m the oldest. Tez was the heart and soul of the team the last years. Now I don´t want to be here with people thinking, I want to replace him. Nobody could ever replace him. I want to show the young guys how the Skyliners way is. Even if I´m back for a third time, I feel new. Just about everyone is gone from the players to the people in the office. It is kind of like a new organization for me. Klaus Perwas is still here and Gunnar as well. The keys to the heart are still here. I have been getting used to the new guys. It has been fun”, said Jordan Theodore. The Skyliner organization has to mean so much to him, but it definitely isn´t the same like almost a decade ago. “Playing for the Skyliners organization has a very special place in my heart. This is the first place where I feel like home. It really reminds me of home. I have that New York feeling here. Everybody speaks English. It just reminds me of home. I have a few places that are close to my home. Frankfurt is top 2. The feeling isn´t the same. 10 years ago, I was a young kid that had to prove himself. Now it is expected of me to be very good. Back then I didn´t know what to expect, but now I have history. The biggest change is Tez not being here. Back in the 22-23 season, I came back because of Tez. I wanted to play one last time with him”, remembered Jordan Theodore.

Jordan Theodore is a 35 year old 184cm point guard from New Jersey playing his 13th professional season and third with the Frankfurt Skylinmers. Last season he began the season with with Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92 (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 13.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.9apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 54.5%, 3FGP: 28.3%, FT: 73.2%. and finished with Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spain-Liga ACB) averaging 3.0ppg, 2.1apg; and in the Euroleague: averaged 3.5ppg, 1.1apg. He also has gotten experience playing in countries like Turkey, Puerto Rico, Italy, Greece and Russia. He played 4 years at Seton Hall (NCAA) from 2008-2012. He is back in Frankfurt now and in a way has to save the team. Despite the record and 3 massive opponents in the next 11 days with Ulm, Ludwigsburg and Munich, he is very optimistic that the team will be successful. “To be honest, I really think that we can win all 3 of them. It´s all about us. We have to play a great game for 40 minutes. We have to have a great offensive and defensive game. Anything can happen. It is never about who has the biggest name or best record, but who comes to compete. The young guys are working hard in practice. It´s all on me. Can I get the most out of them and lead them well? We will be ready”, warned Jordan Theodore. He has only been here a short while, and can´t give a real impression of the team yet, but knows what the team has to do in the next games to win. “That is hard to say. I didn´t watch too much of the team before I got here. I know that we have won all the cup games so far. Not having a veteran has been tough, but now I´m here. We are getting better every day. We are competing better. The young players have to learn from their mistakes. We need to grow, but it won´t happen overnight. We will become better. We need to be focused for 40 minutes and play at a high level. We also need good communication and stick together. Basketball should be fun. It isn´t always easy to add a player like me, but I´m not selfish. We have had flashes with my leadership. We have to grow with that”, stressed Jordan Theodore.

He has only been with the club a short while, but he has gotten to know the games of some of his teammates especially the 2 explosive Americans Trey Calvin and Malik Parsons. Does he see a little of him in their play as young players? “I don´t know. They are tremendous players and very athletic. We come from different places. They work hard and are eager to learn. They are gym rats. They are always seeking knowledge. I´m really happy to be with them. I can be ball dominated and I want to contribute at a high level, but at the same time not take anything away from their games”, warned Jordan Theodore. One guy he is really impressed with is Danish champion Malik Parsons who has had huge games and is on the radar of Euroleague teams. “He is very talented. He can score and is very athletic. He can go as far as he wants to. Sky is the limit for him. Calvin and him are better shooters than I was at their ages”, said Jordan Theodore. “Other teammates that he is also dazzled by is the play of 2 hero´s from last season´s Pro A team David Muenkat and Booker Cooplin who are vital parts of the team. “I call Dave the next Tez. He is the heart and soul and can do it all. He is always playing with energy. You can ask him to do anything. He can play 1-5 like Tez did. Booker is a very hard worker and can also do a lot of things. He has been under the radar and now can shine. Both are the kind of guys that you want on a team. They are fighters which is a unique trait to have in today´s game. I´m proud to have them on the team”, added Jordan Theodore. A lot has changed in the game of 2018 NBBL champion Lorenz Brenneke as well as he is continuing to make big steps in his game. “Lorenz was actually hurt when I was here the last time. He is also a unique talent. He is a lefty with a nice touch around the rim. He works hard and is a fighter. He is always the first guy in the gym. He will become great in the next years”, commented Jordan Theodore.

Jordan Theodore is 35 years old and isn´t the youngest anymore, but he still has game. He has been competing and being consistent at a high level for years. Despite the 5 turnovers in the loss to Braunschweig, he looked very good in many other areas of his offensive game. He is confident that he still has much more to offer in the next games. “I work out 1-2 times a day even when I´m not playing basketball. Basketball has brought me therapy my whole life. Whenever I did something bad as a kid or had hardships in my career, I always used basketball as a fuel. I honestly think that you haven´t seen my best yet. I haven´t really played since last May when I was in Spain. I´m just coming back to my game again now. I think that in the next games, I will be even quicker, make better reads and be better defensively”, expressed Jordan Theodore. He has seen a lot in the last 9 years and played in many different leagues. With more experience, he also has grown as a player and added new things. “I can shoot off the dribble better. I knew I would be all over the place in the first games back. I had too many turnovers, but that was because I hadn´t practiced enough with the team yet. I will fix the turnovers”, warned Jordan Theodore. He is also a different kind of leader now than in 2016. It is definitely much more of a challenge now than then. “Now it is harder to lead. When I was younger, I was always a gym rat. I was firey and had responses to Gordy Herbert. But now as an older guy you can´t talk back to the coach. It is not good to do that in front of the young players. I´m always asking questions and am eager to learn. I have been around the game for a long time and have seen so much. If I question a coach now, it isn´t to belittle him, but to ask questions that might make it easier for the younger guys to understand”, stated Jordan Theodore. Some may think that this might be his last destination as a player, but he is hopeful the ride will continue. “I just love the game. 5 years ago, people would ask me if I might coach one day, but I said no. I didn´t want to manage players on a daily level and have to deal with ego´s. But then I began to train my nephew and it brought me so much joy. I never forced the game on him. I always told him, call me when your ready. Then I got that call one day and he told me that he wanted to play. I fell in love with the game again and want to coach when my playing days are over. I feel like I still have to prove myself. I still see myself having 2-3 good more years ahead of me”, warned Jordan Theodore. His zeal for the game is still so strong. “ I enjoy being together with the guys every day and just enjoy everything that comes with it. When your young, you never think about the ride coming to an end. Now I´m at an age where I have to be prepared of teams saying they might not want me because of my age. I really enjoy being like a teacher now. I want to help the young point guards, I want to show them the most that this is how we do it”, laughed Jordan Theodore.

Even if the win of the Fiba Europe Cup is more than 8,5 years ago, the bond to his teammates is still there. He is a very outgoing guy and was one of the leaders on that championship team. It would be strange if he had only contact to a few. “To be honest I talk to all. I have with relationships with all from Mike Mo, Aaron Doornekamp, Sean Armand (even if he was from the 2014-2015 season), Phil Scrubb, Danilo Barthel, Gordie Herbert (He is my guy. He is a mentor for me, we speak all the time), Konsti, Klein, John Little, Max Merz, Johannes Richter, Tomas Dimsa and Garai Zeeb (he is my little bro). I have spoken to Joe Voigtmann in a while, but played against him since then”, said Jordan Theodore. He and Quantez Robertson have birthdays only 5 days apart and are like family. A few days ago Tez turned 40 years old. It is only obvious that he has the most special relationship to him. “He is my dog. I love that guy. He is texting me now as were talking. I have so much to say to him, but then again not enough to say. He is a great leader and captain. You always pick a leader after you won a title. He showed that by remaining in Frankfurt after the Fiba title. I told him after to go to Turkey to get some money, but I´m so happy he stayed. He said no. He said that Frankfurt was in his heart. I´m so honored to stand in the arena and look up at his jersey”, stated Jordan Theodore. With Christmas around the corner, he only has one wish for Christmas and that is peace everywhere. Jordan Theodore wasn´t able to save the Skyliners in 2022-2023, but now he can get revenge on that season and hopefully bring back some of that magic from the 2015-2016 season. I´m confident he can, because this guy still has much game left in his tank. It is only logical that he also wants to make his good friend Tez proud.

Playing For Bonzi Wells Helped Jaquan Lawrence(VEF Riga) Respect The Game And Accept No Short Cuts

Jaquan Lawrence (206-F/C-1999, college: LeMoyne-Owen) is a 26 year old 206cm forward that was born in Chicago and is playing his third professional season and first with VEF Riga (Latvia-LBL). Last season he played with Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions (Austria-BSL) averaging 7.8ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.1apg, 1.3spg, Blocks-3 (1.4bpg), FGP: 53.1%, FT: 64.5%. He palyed his rookie season with Pyrinto Tampere (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 8.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.2spg, Blocks-2 (1.7bpg), FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 23.5%, FT: 54.0%. He played at Le Moyne-Owen College (NCAA2) from 2017-2022 playing a total of 101 NCAA 2 games and as a senior averaged 12.6ppg, 8.7rpg, 1.2apg, 2.6bpg, FGP: 49.8%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 66.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball champions League game against the Telekom Baskets Bonn.

Thanks Jaquan for talking to germanhoops.com Your playing your first season with VEF Riga (Latvia-LBL). What kind of an experience has this been for you? What have you enjoyed most about the country and organization?

This year so far has been amazing, VEF is an amazing organization with an amazing coaching staff that is very passionate about winning and growing players for the next level in our careers. I feel as if I fit right in because we all share the same desires to win. Latvia is a country that loves basketball and I saw that in the very beginning when I arrived and played in the country’s birthday celebration game with 24 hours of non-stop basketball games. That was amazing and this place is feeling more and more like home for me.

The organization is used to winning as it has won the double in the last 3 years. How much do you feel that ambition to win within the organization? How special is that?

We definitely share the same ambitions to win every game and bring home another title this year. Bonding is a major part of our performance on the court, so for me to meet another group of guys that are ready to battle every night for a victory, it just makes our time together off the court better when we get to reflect and motivate each other individually to become great collectively.

Your desire to win must of grown and be really big after reaching a cup final last season. After reaching a SIAC final years ago your chances of winning a title this season is huge.

Yes, coming from Chicago where we naturally have a competitive spirit with everything we do, I just carry over that winning mentality everywhere with me.

The club has a good mix of young and old. What exactly has been your role on the team?

My role this year is more on a leadership side being that I am not one of the oldest, I still have younger guys that look up to me on and off the court so always carrying myself as a Pro is pivotal but also still being a student of the game soaking up as much as I can.

What has it been like being teammates with legend Dairis Bertans. The guy has seen it all from NBA to Euroleague. What do you believe has been the most important thing that you have been able to soak up from him despite not playing the same position?

Dairis Bertans is not only a great basketball player but he is an amazing guy altogether and I learn so much from him during the games and practice. The most important thing I have been able to soak up is that every point counts at the end. That means either defending and getting stops or getting more possessions crashing the offensive boards.

What is your biggest goal with your game this season? In comparison to Finland and Austria, the Basketball Champions League is the best league you have played in. Would making an impact on the defensive end be a goal for you?

My biggest goal is doing everything I can to work towards winning another championship. Making an impact on defense is definitely my main goal just to become better individually because if I am at my best,I can help the team be our best being the defensive leader.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 206cm power forward/center. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

If I compare my game to an NBA player it would be Anthony Davis. We both had growth spurts, attended the same high school, and have similar game.

You’re a great rebounder and shot blocker. What other strengths does your game incorporate?

I am also a rim runner that is a lob threat. I can shoot the midrange shot as well and defend all 5 positions. In my eyes one of the best PnR defenders.

Since 2017 you have always averaged at least 1,0 block per game. How would you classify your shot blocking game? What do you still have to do to become an elite shot blocker?

I have always been a rim protector, and I would classify my shot blocking game as Elite. I still have to become better with reading the guard to understand if it’s a shot to contest or just stay down and guard 1 on 2 for a split second.

What other strengths do you have on the defensive end that helps you be able to make an impact at the defensive end?

My speed and long arms allow me to hard hedge on PnR defense and get back to my man. I alter shots well. I also get a lot of deflections and steals for my position.

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

My free throw percentage is where I am looking to improve the most in my game now.

You played last season with Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions (Austria-BSL) averaging 7.8ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.1apg, 1.3spg, Blocks-3 (1.4bpg), FGP: 53.1%, FT: 64.5%. You played a tough playoff series losing to Oberwart 70-69 in the final game. What will you always remember from that game?

I will always remember the fighting spirit I had in that game to close out the series. I injured my foot in the first half but I taped up and finish the game. Coming down to the last shot, I got an offensive rebound with 3 seconds left falling down and shooting the last shot from the floor and missing right before the buzzer sounded.

What was it like battling veteran Fabricio Vay who played 14 seasons with Arkadia and even in the G-League 15 years ago. Was he like a mentor for you?

Fabricio Vay was definitely a great mentor for me; he was a major competitor. There were some tough battling within the practices but afterwards he would always invite us to do fun things off the court just to enjoy life as good brothers

You played your rookie season with Pyrinto Tampere (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 8.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.2spg, Blocks-2 (1.7bpg), FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 23.5%, FT: 54.0%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

My wake up call was landing at Sweden airport and realizing the currency was different and the charger ports were also.

You played 4 years at Le Moyne-Owen College (NCAA2) improving your scoring and rebounds average each season. How did your game grow there? What kind of a player were you coming in and what kind when you left?

My game grew because every summer I put in those endless hours in the gym trying to improve my all around game. Also the environment of my HBCU was like family, so the support and love always made me want to be better. South Memphis just kept me humbled because everywhere we played we were the underdogs. Coming into LeMoyne-Owen I was an athletic finisher and rim protector with a very thin frame with lots of potential. I left as one of the best in the conference with DPOY, Second team all conference honors, and 2022 Inaugural HBCU ASG (All Star Game) selection.

In your senior year you had a 17/14/10 blocks in a win over Tuskegee. How special was that game? It isn´t often that you see a triple double with blocks.

That was an unbelievable game for me and still one of my most memorable ones. I love blocking shots but I never thought that I would ever get 10 in a single game. The most important thing is that we won.

You played 2 seasons for Bonzie Wells. What was it like learning the game from him? He was a very good rebounder for his height when he was playing.

Bonzi is also a student of the game and his desire for it is even more imposing. Learning the game from him was incredible. I never imagined having someone who so many people looked up to, as not only a head coach but one of the coolest mentors.

How do you feel Bonzie Wells groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Bonzi Wells’ favorite saying was “ I only trust the work ” so as long as you were working on your game and respecting the game, in due time you will see the results. When you are practicing and working out at game speed everything must carry over to the competitions. I took that and ran with it because if you are playing this game you must respect it, there are no shortcuts!

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Dajion Henderson?

There were consistent battles between us but we never played a 1 v 1

Who is the best player that you ever battled on the court that reached the NBA?

Talen Horton Tucker Jalen Duran Thad Young Ayo Dosunmu

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Ike Smith, LJ Thorpe, Tylan Birts, Davon Clare, Demarcus Demonia

Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore?

Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, Lebron James, D- Rose

Who is your GOAT?

Yeshua

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

I have not seen the movie yet but I will watch to see LOL.!

Thanks Jaquan for the chat.

Zac Seljaas Wants To See Exactly Where He Can Go With His Game And At the Same Time Enjoy The Ride

pic credit: Viktor Meshko

Zachary Seljaas (202-SF-1997, college: BYU) is a 27 year old 202cm forward from Utah playing his 5th professional season and second with FIT/One Wuerzburg Baskets (Germany-BBL). In the 2022-2023 season he balled for the Tigers Tuebingen (Germany-ProA) averaging (16.9ppg), 6.0rpg, 2.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 84.8%. He played his first 2 pro seasons with BC Prievidza (Slovakia-SBL) averaging 13.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 9.5%, FT: 75.0%, and with BC Vera (Georgia-Superleague averaging22.1ppg), Reb-2 (12.0rpg), 2.6apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 83.5%. He began his basketball career at Bountiful and then played at Brgham Young (NCAA) from 2015-2019. He spoke to germanhoops.com after a massive 89-70 win over Frankfurt.

Congrats on the big 89-70 win over Frankfurt. How huge was this win after the last loses?

It was a really good and big win for us. It was important to get our rhythm back and to have finished the game strong. I think like we got the feel back to heading back in a positive direction as a team.

Frankfurt entered the game with a huge cup win and Wurzburg a tough 2 point BCL loss. I guess sometimes all one needs is one huge quarter to secure a win?

Yes it sure can. We saw it last week in the BCL and last night against Frankfurt. Frankfurt began the fourth quarter with a run. We knew that we had to regroup. We didn´t want the game to end like the last few games. We did a good job regrouping and figuring it out.

A lot of punching back and forth in the first 5 minutes between both teams. How crucial were your 2 consecutive three´s? Did that give the team some early momentum?

Yes I definitely think so. I think that it wasn´t just me, but how the team was able to create our offense as a team. We did what we always do in practice. That helped build our rhythm.

In the second quarter the game remained tight. Big man Hannes Steinbach had back to back assists. Is he the perfect definition of a modern big man?

Yes he has. He has so much potential. He surprises me every day again. He is so natural with his game. It is really crazy what he can already do with his game at his age. He is only going to get better. It is fun to see his development on a daily basis. Sky is the limit for him.

Last week Wurzburg pro B player Calvin Wishart said that it wouldn´t surprise him if he laned in the NBA. What about for you?

For sure. I can see him flourish in an American system. The way he plays and his style would fit well in the states. I could also see him playing college basketball there.

Jordan Theodore hit a big three is his third come back with the team. He led Frankfurt to the Fiba Cup title when you were a freshman at Brigham Young. Does he still have what it takes to lead this team to success?

Yes for sure. He is a great player. He has a lot of experience. That doesn´t only help him on a personal level, but also the team. He was a huge pick up for them.

Wurzburg broke free in the third quarter and led by as much as 13 points in the third quarter and led 60-51. What was key in the third quarter for having a bigger lead?

Our defense opens up so much for us. Our energy starts with our defense. That is how coach runs it. We get stops and then run on transition. I think in that phase we also limited our turnovers. We had had too many earlier in the game. We tried to make big plays, but in the third slowed it down which helped us limit them.

David Muenkat began the fourth quarter with his own 8-0 run as Frankfurt trailed only 60-59. What did head coach Savo Filipovski tell the team in the time out?

He told us for most just to lock down on defense. We needed better rotations and had given up too many open shots. They have good players and they made tough shots. We have to be locked in 40 minutes on defense.

David Muenkat had a big night with 23 points. What made it so difficult to control him?

He is a good player. I feel like we underestimated his shot making qualities. He made tough shots which we didn´t expect from him. We relied too much on his drive. We have to know the tendencies better of everyone. We gave Parsons and Theodore too much focus.

Wurzburg than exploded going on a 21-2 run. Mike Lewis added 9 points and Jhivvan Jackson 3 three pointers in a row. Was this just one of those classic massive runs or was there more behind it?

That is just how our team is. We can get hot quickly. It helps when your at home playing in front of our great fans. After a few shots go in, our confidence continues to grow. When your making shots, defense becomes more exciting which makes it easier. An offensive explosion can happen at anytime.

Did that run totally break Frankfurt´s confidence?

I think so. That helped us get a good distance between them and us. WE showed that we didn´t want to stop, but play well until the end. We kept our rhythm until the end.

How proud were you that the team finished the game in good form after the run? There was no let up which sometimes can happen after a run like that?

I was very proud. There can always be a letdown. I feel like in being able to close out the game strong, we were able to make a big step. I feel like that gave us a lot of confidence that will help us the next time.

A game has more than just 1 quarter. The team shot 16 three´s and easily won the rebound fight. What was the biggest strength of the team in the game?

I think it was our team work especially on the defensive end. We helped each other. I think we shared the ball great. We had our season high in assists. We also did a good job getting guys into rhythm.

Wurzburg now has some big games coming up in few days. Alba Berlin isn´t what it once was. What will be key to getting win?

It really is about us and how we approach each game and how much confidence we have.

What will be the biggest key for the team to be a playoff team again and not have last season be a fluke?

I think our success has to do with our culture and how hard we work as a team. I don´t think last season was a fluke. We are on a good way of being a good team again.

Your in your second season in the easyCredit BBL. Your scoring average is down a bit. Is that because of more offensive weapons this season?

Yes I think so. My role is a bit different this season. I´m captain and a leader and have more of a focus on defense. I have a lot more to do this season than just score. Not scoring as much doesn´t bother me. The most important thing is that we win and fight.

What is your big goal this season as a player after your break through season last year in terms of your game?

My goal from day 1 was always to get better. I want to be able to see how far I can go as a player. I want to have the opportunity to see what can happen with my game. At the same time I want to enjoy my time here as a young man with a family. Not everyone gets an opportunity like this.

Your having a huge BCL season averaging 21,0ppg. Is your role a bit different than in the BBL?

I think it had to do how game went. I go out and approach each game the same way. I think many underestimate how physical the easyCredit BBL is and how good teams are. It is really hard to score in the BBL with the physicality and scouting. The BCL has been a fun experience and I´m fortunate to have played well.

What do you enjoy most about Christmas and the German Christmas market´s?

When it comes to Christmas, I´m like a child. I love the feeling of Christmas. I feel like I enjoy buying presents for kids more than they do opening them. I love the markets and hanging out with the family there. I enjoy the culture and the community. Christmas is one of the nicest times of the year.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Maxi Ugrai?

Me. Max is great, but I think I got him.

Thanks Zac for the chat.

Prolific Scorer Ty Nichols(EWE Baskets) Chip Isn´t Going Anywhere As He Is Excited For His New Challenge In The EasyCredit BBL

Ty Nichols (190-G-1996, college: Keene St.) is a 28 year old 190cm guard that was born in Springfield, Mass that is playing his 6th professional season and first with German team EWE Baskets Oldenburg. He began the season with Patrioti Levice (Slovakia-Tipos SBL). He has experience having played in Kosovo, Albania and the Czech Republic. He began his basketball career with Putnam Vo-Tech high school and then played at Keene State College (NCAA3) from 2015-2019 and as a senior averaged : 27.4ppg, 7.2rpg, 4.9apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 39.2%, FT: 82.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before his easyCredit BBL debut against the Telekom Baskets Bonn.

Thanks Ty for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with German easyCredit BBL team EWE Baskets. After 5 seasons of paying your dues, you have reached a top league in Europe. Will the chip on your shoulder remain now?

100%. This what every guy wants. Being able to perform on a high stage. I put myself in good position with my play in the Fiba Europe Cup. I had a few offers, but felt that the EWE Baskets was the best situation.

You dominated as usual in Slovakia, BCL and Fiba Europe Cup, but left your team to join the EWE Baskets. Did you have a clause in your contract?

My agent negotiated a buy out in my contract. We missed out on advancing to the next round of the Fiba Europe Cup by 1 point. That allowed me to go.

You must be so excited to join the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. What do you believe was most vital in the last 6 years in you being able to get this far in your career?

I feel like it has been a combination of how I have played the last 2 seasons. I won MVP of the Czech league and helped my team win their first ever chip. Also my good play in the Fiba Europe Cup helping beat big budget teams like Zaragoza helped

You have never averaged less than 15,0ppg in a season since 2016. That is brutal consistency. What do you attribute this consistency to?

I got a trainer in the summer of 2016 and we have worked together until this day. He has helped me take my game to the next level. I´m still not content with my game and will continue to work hard. Every team that I have played with allowed me to play my game and just let me be myself. That has helped me be consistent.

You now have reached a top team with many other guys that can really score the ball. Will that be a tough adjustment for you not necessarily always having the ball in your hands or being that go to guy?

I´m not going to lie. It will be an adjustment. That is what happens when you reach a high league and top team, there will be very talented players. I have to see what my role will be and just realize that I don´t need to score 25 points to win. I just have to realize that I may have to score 10 points on some nights to win.

What do you feel will be the biggest challenge for you competing in the BBL?

I think mainly just the load of talent from team to team.

Your scoring may stand out, but you can really fill the stat sheet like no other. You have been close to achieving triple doubles. How big is versatility in your game?

It is huge. I have been a scorer my whole career, but also been asked to do other things like get my teammates involved. I was just fortunate that I was always able to pick and chose and do a bit of everything where ever I have played.

You never shot 40% or better from outside until this season. In Slovakia you shot a crazy 51% and 48% in the Fiba Europe Cup. Did you get secret tips from Steph Curry?

No, no I don´t speak to Steph. I wish. I think it has been confidence and just putting in the work all those summers. Now the work is paying off.

You have always been a feisty defender. What kind of defender will people see in the easyCredit BBL?

I´m a pesky defender. I try to make it as uncomfortable as possible for opponents with my long reach. I always try to find the weaknesses and just pick at it. I´m aggressive on ball and like to get into passing lanes. I gamble a lot. That is something that I have to live with.

Last season you played with SLUNETA Usti nad Labem (Czech Republic-NBL) averaging (20.8ppg), 3.9rpg, Assists-5 (5.5apg), Steals-1 (2.3spg), FGP: 57.3%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 73.0%. You led the league in scoring after being second the season before. How did your game grow in these years in the NBL?

My game definitely grew a lot. I came from a weaker league in Kosovo and played in a fast paced league in the Czech Republic. I had to make quicker decisions and reads. I was the number #1 option and was able to take my game to the next level.

Two seasons ago you played with BK Armex Decin (Czech Republic-NBL) averaging 18.7ppg), 3.7rpg, 4.5apg, Steals-2 (2.5spg), FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 29.2%, FT: 67.2%. In this season and the season after you were involved in 6 exciting and long playoff series. How much did your killer mentality grow in these last 2 seasons?

I love to play in the big games. I was on teams that hadn´t won, so I tried all I could to win. I was fortunate to play high level basketball in the playoffs.

In the 2021-2022 season you spent time in Albania and Kosovo and then finished in the Czech Republic. How tough was this season living out of a suitcase? What did you learn about yourself?

That season was weird. I began in Albania and lasted 5-6 days. I left because the conditions just weren´t good there. Then I went to Kosovo and was there for 2 weeks. I had been familiar with Kosovo because I had played there before. Decin from the Czech Republic bought me out. I thank them for taking a chance on me.

You played your first 2 pro seasons with KB Ponte Prizren (Kosovo-Superliga) averaging 19.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 5.3apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 26.9%, FT: 71.3% and 15.7ppg, 4.0rpg, 7.1apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 54.4%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 66.0%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I will never forget getting there on November 16th and playing my first game on November 18th. We were beating a team in their gym and at the end they started throwing things at us. That was my wake up call.

You played at Keene State College (NCAA3) from 2015-2019 winning 2 LEC titles. Which one was sweeter?

The last one was. We weren´t predicted to win. We won on our own home court that was sold out. We beat our rival Eastern Conn.

You improved your scoring and rebound average each season and really exploded as a senior averaging 27.4ppg, 7.2rpg, 4.9apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 39.2%, FT: 82.3%, How did your game grow there?

I couldn´t shoot the ball in my freshman year. I made something like 4-5 three´s. Then in the summer of 2016 I got a trainer. My shot got better. We played a more fast paced tempo in my senior year where I got many more shots. I was supposed to score 20 points a game. I did better scoring 27 points a game.

You left as the school´s all-time leading scorer and had so many incredible games. What was your best personal game?

In my senior year I scored 42 points against Albertus Magnus, but my best all around game was against Ramapo where I had 32 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists.

How did head coach Ryan Cain groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

We had similar ideas about the game. He had also been the all-time leading scorer at his school when he played. He taught me how to play a smoother game.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Dizel Wright?

He couldn´t beat me ever. But he was one of the most athletic players that I ever played against.

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

I played against Jordan Crawford in a summer league game.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Jonathan Garcia, Tyronne Malone, David Abraham, Marcus Azor, Sam Sessoms

Your NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron James, Derrick Rose, Tracey McGrady, Kevin Garnet

Your Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James

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

Yes for sure. I don´t know why they did that.

Thanks Ty for the chat.

Vincent Macaulay Enjoyed the Terrific Fan Support But Surely Should Have Had More Time To Develop And Achieve Success

Vincent Macaulay is a UK coach who made a name for himself being head coach and general manager of the London Lions for more than a decade and was responsible for them becoming a top team in the BBL in the UK. He also had experience coaching the Hemel Hempstead Royals, Milton Keynes Lions and Manchester Giants. He spoke to eurobasket about basketball before the season began. Unfortunately I didn´t bring the interview earlier and then Vincent Macaulay was released. This interview is a combination of his thoughts before the season began and questions after he was let go.

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

Thanks Miles, I am currently on the road as we travel to Belgium for a pre season game vs Charleroi, this will be our 4th game of 8. Life is treating me well as I get to know my new team and surroundings and prepare for what looks like a very exciting Pro A season.

Welcome to Germany. After coaching your whole life in England, you have taken on a new challenge in Germany. What do you know in general about the country Germany?

Thanks for the welcome, and I have been made so welcome by the people in Quakenbrück in particular and Germany as a whole, I know Germany reasonably well, I have an uncle who is German and he told me many stories about the country, I am always always awed by the organizations in the country, how diligent they are with everything they do. Also secretly two of my favourite footballers are Sepp Maier and Gerd Muller. At this point I would say that my sports intro to Germany was Kevin Keegan leaving my beloved Liverpool for Hamburg.

How have you followed German basketball over the years? The country has made giant leaps in the last years in their youth department as well as winning the World Cup title?

Just awesome! I have often watched the League, especially so when players from England would come to Germany and excel, Parker Jackson-Cartwright, Geno Crandall etc. obviously we all fell in love with Dirk Nowitski, but the development of Dennis Schroeder who was just a very quick kid, into a phenomenal player and latterly a great leader cannot escape any coach.

After coaching in England, what was it that gave you that spark to want to go away from England? Was it more than just a new challenge?

Basically I had achieved everything possible in our League really, having been in every position, player, coach, GM, owner etc as well as winning games against European opposition. The League was going through a bad time with poor management etc and I was going to try and rebuild a powerhouse in Manchester like I had done in London but the League owners prevented that so I looked for a new challenge. I initially thought Japan, or a National Team, maybe Nigeria, when this opportunity came along with the Dragons who have been a very very top team and have the resources to be so again, so it excited me and with the legend that is Pat Elzie as Sporting Director and Marius Kröger as GM I believe we have a real shot.

You will coach German Pro A team Artland Dragons. What did you know about the club? It produced NBA player Isaiah Hartenstein.

Yes they talk a lot locally about Hartenstein and his development and are very proud of him and the work his father did. In fact they are very proud of their past achievements as a club and the coaches that have gone on to bigger and better things. I always try to stay in the present, it’s time to have more current things for the fans to talk about so hopefully we can do that here.

Patrick Elzie interviewed many guys, but chose you. What was the main reason for joining this historic organization?

Well as to his reasons, I think you would have to ask him. I do know he wanted a change and maybe a different way of doing things and that’s certainly what I do. I enjoy learning the game, trying different things and inspiring players to be the best they can be whilst enjoying the game. As I said my reason is that the club has excellent resources to be at the top, it’s different sometimes you are at a good club with a good team but the resources are limited for you to go further, that isn’t the case here.

Talk a little about your basketball philosophy. What kind of a coach are you and what is your brand of basketball?`

I am a very competitive person and I love to play a fast and exciting brand of basketball. Score quick and score fast, but my entire upbringing in basketball was under the legendary British coach, Jimmy Rogers from Brixton in London, Jimmy was defence first and last so we will always be a very gritty team. The modern game is more uptempo especially at the three point line. It is exciting to see so many different styles of play in the Pro A and I think this makes it a very exciting League.

What is like working with Pat Elzie. Like you he has so much coaching experience. How vital is his basketball knowledge for your development as a coach in Germany?

Invaluable. I don’t think I’ve met anyone in Germany who didn’t play for Pat!! But seriously he is a bank of information and that is really going to help accelerate my understanding of German basketball, also with my assistant, Marcus Jackson who played and coached in the League.

What kind of character is Joe Asberry. He is a man that has seen it all. What do you believe is his biggest strength in the youth sector?

Joe is a great guy, firstly it is great having him around our Dragons Training Centre, he chats to the senior players acts as a buffer for them just in settling down and developing as pro’s. As for his influence on the youth it’s plain to see, they follow him all around the town, they love his energy, he shares his knowledge and I think most importantly helps to ground them as they try to make their way into the pro world, a huge asset.

How much influence did you have on making the the 2024-2025 roster? Was it all you or did Pat Elzie assist you? I can imagine that Elzie had some influence in getting veteran Yasin Kolo?

Ha ha! Yes I know they go way back. Pat assisted certainly especially with the vets, but also in helping me understand how the game is played here. Obviously I’ve also brought players who played for me and that I know to help blend in my style. I have had much more athletic teams than the teams in Germany but it’s about getting the blend right, to compete in bully ball if necessary, whilst also playing uptempo, high flying and exciting.

What is the goal of the Artland Dragons. The team struggled to stay in last season. Is staying in the league again the main goal

Clearly staying in the League will be a success, but the team already did that last season, I think getting to the Playoff’s and competing effectively is also a goal. There is no reason for us not to be one of the better teams however with still some weeks to the start of the season I haven’t seen too many teams from our league, after a couple of weeks or so, I’ll know exactly what we need to do to have a successful season.

I love how Brandon Thomas is still playing at 40. He told me last season that if Artland stayed in the pro A, he would add on another year. Seriously how good is this guy still? His body and the way he plays looks like he was still 30?

Incredible!, Brandon was one of the first people I spoke to when I was given the honor of this job. His experience on the floor and his years in Germany are a real goldmine for me. We talked long and hard about what was needed to do well. His game is electric he is a finisher of the highest order and I’m trying to put him in the freezer from time to time so we can extend his career, he is a true pro who looks after his body and looking at him in training, it’s no surprise he has carried on for so long.

You brought in 2 Greens. Talk a little about their games. Do you feel like they could be impact players in the Pro A?

I do, Kierell will take a little time to settle as he literally finished playing in Indonesia, he is a glue guy who can plug many holes. He has good size and I think will hold us together in games. Tajh, well Tajh will be explosive, his athleticism is off the charts and he can run forever, the two of them will help our engine to keep ticking over.

I was very shocked when I learned that the Artland Dragons had let you go.Did it surprise you also?

Yes I was surprised, don’t get me wrong, 90% of coaching positions end in a sacking but I felt it was really soon especially as I had been told we were in a long term project. I was asked to work with 7 players provided for me and I was very happy to do so and was enjoying this.

I think it was too early after 5 loses, but it seemed like they don´t want a scenario happening from last season? Can you understand their reasoning?

I think it’s really not for me to worry about the managements reasoning, it is their right, however I feel I should have been told the plan had changed and I had to have such and such a League positioning by a certain time if indeed that was the case.

Are you able to explain why the team went from top to bottom with 4 wins and then sufering 5 loses?

This was always a transitional situation, a significant group of guys who had taken a lot of losses last season, a new coach a new system so things would be up and down, I think teams start to come together after 15 games, chemistry, trust etc. We had a bad loss in Karlsruhe and I sensed the fear in the club and in my opinion they over reacted but as I said that is the management´s decision.

I´m sure you will rebound from this experience. Did you learn anything from this experience?

I learnt a lot from the experience, seeing German basketball for 2 months seeing the depth of talent in the teams and also the support that clubs have to be successful. I totally enjoyed my time with the team especially Brandon Thomas and Robert Ohle. Also that change takes time and not everyone can come with you.

Do you have any parting words for the Artland Dragons organization and fans?

The fans were terrific and supported me throughout, I think the organization is trying to do the right things but process and communication is an area that still need further development and I think they know that too.

You made a massive name for the London Lions and coaching them for 11 years. Is it fair to say that they are like your baby? I would of thought that you would always have remained with that organization. Was leaving in 2022 a tough ordeal?

Not at all. I grew up in Africa and there was a saying always on the buses, “no condition is permanent” I live by this and it gives me a positive outlook. The ownership group that I had sold out to allowed me to remain and coach, but after awhile their idea of driving British basketball was not mine so I moved on amicably and with no hard feelings either side. Driving British basketball was and is important to me, making a home for British players, having Justin Robinson as a British player be Two Time MVP was important. Now with my new challenge, if a British Coach can be successful in Germany, it will assist a lot of other British coaches to belief in themselves and go forward more positively.

I remember hearing about the club 4-5 years ago. The club made an incredible development. They played Fiba Europe Cup for some years. How vital was this organization for the British basketball league?

Well as you may know the club has now fallen on hard times due to mismanagement. The club was very important to Britain because at the time I started the club post the 2012 Olympics, there was no Pro team in London, and really no success since the London Towers under Kevin Cadle and Nick Nurse so it was important to create a big city club that could challenge. We slowly grew the club to that level and I think it helped let people know there was good basketball in the Uk. Playing the Playoff Finals in front of 20,000 people, live in TV etc, these are the things that get people excited.

In the early years say 10 years ago, you brought in guys like Nick Freer or Orlan Jackman from the German lower leagues. But the team always seemed competitive. What kind of a coach were you then and what kind of a coach now?

Great memory! These were good players, Nick was very athletic and strong and Orlan is one of my favourite players ever. His pedigree you can see as he went on to win 3 x 3 Commonwealth Gold. I was a little over thinking then as a coach, my influences like Dean Smith and other college coaches, but then watching the success of Nick Nurse and Chris Finch in the NBA showed me that our League was actually a great training ground for Coaches, so I began to experiment and be more free flowing, that’s the kind of coach I am today.

The funny thing is I began interviewing guys some years ago as the rosters got more and more well known players and ex NBA guys. I interviewed guys like Orlando Parker, Josh Ward-Hibert, Jordan Spencer, Andre Lockhart, and Tarik Phillips just to name a few. Did the budget rise in the last years? How difficult was that?

You know the environment we are in for basketball in the UK is basically very clear. If you want something, you have to find the money and make it. We get very little to no Government support. For many years I was GM and Coach. That wasn’t easy but my vision stayed clear, Jon Spoelstra, father of Erik at Miami helped me a lot in understanding how to raise money in the sporting world and I did this, then very slowly we grew the budgets to the point we were able to compete in Europe.

How did you see the development of Jules Akodo. I followed him for many years in Germany with Frankfurt. He was a very special talent then.

Jukes was with us when we won the BBL Trophy, a young guy I always kept my eye on, I wanted him for many years before he finally came along. He is a true gentleman, very talented at both point and 2 guard.

Please name your 5 best players that you have coached in your career?

This is where I say it’s like saying who is your favourite child. A tough one, From a pure talent level it was probably DeAndre Liggins, he never stopped working and was blessed with real skills. Marquis Teague was a walking bucket but then I have to add Justin Robinson, Dru Spinks and Joe Ikhinmwin as players who understood what British basketball needed. If every British basketball player was like any one of them – the UK would have one of the best Leagues in Europe. But of course, I love all my players.

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

MJ, Kareem, Olajuwon, Kobe, Magic

Who is your personal Goat?

Michael Jordan – no question

Thanks Vincent for the chat

Elite Shooter Elijah Jenkins Continues To Grow As A Player As He Has Found A Second Home In Cologne

Elijah Jenkins (190-G, college: Embry Riddle) is a 190cm guard from Georgia playing his third professional season and third with DTV Basketball Koeln (Germany-Regionalliga). He began his basketball career with Riverwood high school and then played at Embry Riddle University (NCAA2) from 2017-2022 playing a total of 120 NCAA games. In his last 2 years he averaged 13.4ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 41.5%, FT: 69.0% and 15.8ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 43.1%, 3PT: 41.9%, FT: 81.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Your playing your third season for DTV Basketball Koeln (Germany-Regionalliga). How much of a second home has it become? What have you enjoyed most about the opportunity?

Yeah it’s been great, I really feel at home here with the guys on our team, our coaches, and our fans. I’ve really enjoyed experiencing the basketball culture in Germany, as I’ve had a completely different perspective coming from the US. Winning the Pokal the last two years is definitely a huge highlight.

Some guys remain in the Regionaliga while others move up to higher leagues. How has your game grown since coming to the DTV Basketball Koeln (Germany-Regionalliga)?

I think there was an adjustment period at the start of my time here, getting used to the league, its physicality, and things like that. But since then it’s been just about continuing to be confident and find ways to help the team get a win.

What has it been like for you playing with a team full of Germans. Even though many are older than you, do you see yourself being a sort of mentor for some of the players?

It’s been great, I consider myself really lucky to play for Deutz and be around a group of guys that really enjoy both playing together and spending time off the court together. I don’t think I would consider myself a mentor because we have a lot of guys with experience at high levels of basketball, so I think we all just try to feed off our collective basketball experience instead of relying on just one or two guys.

What has it been like being teammates with German Joachim Koschade? Was he like a mentor for you when you were a rookie?

Yeah Joe’s great, he’s another one of those guys with a ton of high-level basketball experience. I really enjoy playing with him, our games definitely complement one another and we’ve been on the court together in some crucial moments the last years.

What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I don’t think I have one specific moment in mind, but obviously getting used to the language my first season was a big adjustment.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 190cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would bets fit the bill?

Steph is too cliché, so I’ll go with Jared Mccain.

You have never averaged more than 2,0apg in a season since school. Do you see yourself developing more into a playmaking guard in the future?

I think I try to always make the right pass on the court, even if that doesn’t always lead to having a ton of assists, but I think that I will create more the more aggressive I am and defensive attention I attract.

You eclipsed 40% from outside twice at Embry Riddle and this season shooting 48% from outside. What do you credit your great shooting most to this season?

I would say that my teammates and coaches consistently encourage me to shoot which allows me to shoot with confidence regardless of the situation. But I spent a lot of time in the gym growing up, so just having the trust in the things that I’ve done my whole life allows me to have that confidence during games.

How do you see the development of your three point shooting? Do you see yourself becoming an elite shooter in the future?

I would say I’ve been an elite shooter for most of my career.

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

I think now I’m playing well on defense when I’m active and aggressive in passing lanes, getting deflections, etc. I think I can still improve guarding bigger, more physical guys that we come up against.

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

I would say I just try to focus on making plays necessary for our team to win games.

You played 4 seasons at Embry Riddle (NCAA2) making a big jump in your last 2 seasons. How did your game grow there?

I saw myself become more aggressive hunting my shot as well as being really aggressive in the midrange area. Growing up I think I was more of a catch and shoot and movement guy but in my last two seasons I really developed the confidence in my off the dribble game, both from 3 and in the midrange.

You had so many great games in the NCAA 2 once making 11 three´s and twice 9 plus many 30 plus points. What was your fondest moment on the court?

I don’t think I can name just one moment, but just the experience of being and growing with a special group of guys on and off the court is something that was absolutely priceless.

How did head coach Steve Ridder groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Ridder had a tremendous impact on me as a player, but even more so as a person. He always believed in me and my ability and challenged me to keep improving as a player, while giving me space to grow myself both on and off the court.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Romeo Crouch?

I don’t think we actually played that much 1 on 1, but I’d have to give him the edge in those.

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

In college, definitely Jacob Evans at Cincinnati. Before that, I played pretty often against Colin Sexton growing up in Atlanta.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Romeo Crouch, Nashad Mackey, Malcolm Whitlow, Luka Majstorovic, Chris Murray

Your NBA Mount Rushmore?

Steph, Kareem, Lebron, Jordan

Your Who is your GOAT?

Lebron

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

Probably, but that’s Hollywood

Thanks Elijah for the chat.

Devante Jones(Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana) Is Striving To Become One Of The Best Defenders In Europe

DeVante Jones (182-PG-1998, college: Michigan) is a 26 year old 182cm guard from New Orleans playing his third pro season and first with Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia-Liga Nova KBM). Last season he played with Le Mans Sarthe Basket (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 15.9ppg), 2.5rpg, Assists-5 (5.2apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 86.1%;and in the BCL averaged 12.3ppg, 2.1rpg, 4.9apg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 16.0%, FT: 89.7%. He palyed his rookie season with Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92 (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 7.9ppg, 2.5rpg, 4.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 43.0%, FT: 77.1%. He began his basketball career at St Augustine High School and then played 3 seasons at Coastal Carolina College averaging 18.0ppg, 5.9rpg, 5.8apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 58.5%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 87.6% and 19.3ppg, 7.2rpg, 2.9apg, 2.8spg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 86.2%. He played one season at the University Of Michigan averaging 10.3ppg, 4.4rpg, 4.5apg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 79.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against the Hamburg Towers.

Thanks Devante for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season for Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia-Liga Nova KBM) and will be playing your first time in Germany. What do you know in general about the country and it´s basketball? Have you had friends or guys you know play in Germany in the past?

In general i don’t really know much about Germany. I currently have a close friend name Dshawn who currently plays there and he is doing great but other than that I don’t know much but iIam excited for my first experience.

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia-Liga Nova KBM) have been used to winning recently having won the double the last 3 years. How big is the desire to win within the organization?

To be honest, winning was my main reason for coming to this organization. I understand in previous seasons they weren’t as good as they were years ago but I wanted to come and change the narrative along with the rest of my brothers. We have won more euro cup games this season than last year but that’s not enough for us. we want to win it all.

After reaching the Pro A final last season with Le Mans, you recently won the Slovenian Super Cup. How big does that title rank in your career?

The Slovenia Super Cup is a great achievement to have on my resume, it’s a blessing that I don’t take lightly.

The France Pro A league belongs to the best leagues in Europe. This season your balling in the Slovenia-Liga Nova KBM. How would you compare this league to the Pro A in France?

This season in Slovenia is definitely different than the French Pro A league. Obviously, i’m also playing in the euro cup so it’s way more games and more traveling which is fun but the comparison of euro league teams are similar. In French Pro A is played against Asvel and Monaco and now I have faced red star and will play Partizan soon so I love the competition.

You had your break out season last season in France. This season your offensively not as dominant as last. Do you feel pressure after your incredible season from 2023-2024?

I don’t feel any pressure at all. Basketball is all about adjusting especially when you are moving up in competition. It’s a long season so you never know I might can turn it around and do something real special you will just have to wait and find out haha.

Last season you scored a lot and dished out many assists and had the ball in your hands a lot. What is your role this season with Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana

My role this season isn’t much different from my previous season. Making life easier for my teammates and also looking for my shot whenever the opportunity presents itself.

What has it been like being teammates with Devin Robinson and DJ Stewart? What have you appreciated most about their games`?

Being with Dj and Devin has been nothing short of amazing. two very talented guys on both offense and defense. I appreciate their openness to want to get better. We are always on the same page whenever we on the court together, I love it.

If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would fit the best?

I think somebody from the NBA I compare my game to is Fred vanvleet. we are kind of built the same and have the same play style.

You really fill the stat sheet well. How big is versatility in your game?

Being my size at my position I believe filling up the stat sheet will get you looked at more. everyone can shoot and get assists at my position, that difference maker is steals, rebounds and even some stuff that don’t even show up on the stat sheet.

You have shot the ball really well from outside in certain competitions in the last 2 pro years. Where do you see yourself as a shooter at the moment and where do you still want to get to with your shooting?

At the moment I believe my shooting is decent. Obviously I am shooting well now because all of the hard work I have put in but I want to get even better. there is no limit where I can be when my time is done.

Your also a very solid defender. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I pride myself of not getting scored on. I watch highlights of different defenders and just try to take those different skills and add it to my own game. But, the stronger I get and with more experience I believe I can become one of the best defenders in all of Europe

In what areas of your game do you want to make the biggest jump this season with your game?

I think the biggest jump I want to make is just continuing to become a better leader. Just being a fan of Chris Paul and how he leads is just inspiring

Last season you played with Le Mans Sarthe Basket (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging (15.9ppg), 2.5rpg, Assists-5 (5.2apg), 1.3spg, FGP: 52.8%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 86.1%; and in the BCL averaged 12.3ppg, 2.1rpg, 4.9apg, FGP: 47.1%, 3PT: 16.0%, FT: 89.7%. How important was this season for your basketball development? How did your game grow this season?

Playing with Le Mans was a very important year for me. I completed a lot of individual accolades and it showed how good I can be when I am given the opportunity. Making the all star team with a lot of different big name guards was exciting for me. just motivated me to continue to push. My game grew in different ways, just taking care of my body, learning different techniques on the court.

You played your rookie season with Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92 (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 7.9ppg, 2.5rpg, 4.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 43.0%, FT: 77.1%. You reached the Pro A final. What memories do you have of the final against Monaco? What was it like battling top Euroleague player Mike James as a rookie?

Battling Monaco was a very humbling experience. Just being a competitor trying to beat a team that’s just talented from the top guy to the bottom guy is frustrating. Battling against Mike James was great. we built a relationship throughout the season and also during the all star games so that was a battle iIwill never forget.

Big NBA talent Victor Wembanyama was your teammate. What memories do you have of him. It was his last season in France before heading to the NBA. Did you have that feeling then that he could be such a good player in the NBA?

Playing with Victor was amazing. he was a great guy and very unselfish. you don’t see that often coming from a young generational talent. I knew he would always be a great NBA player just because of his work ethic and mindset.

What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

man, getting off that flight in France was my wake up call. not understanding the language and having to adjust to the food was very hard at the beginning.

In the summer of 2022 you played NBA Summer League with Denver. What kind of an experience was that for you? What memories do you have of Vegas? Did you meet any NBA legends in that time?

In 2022 playing with Denver Nuggets was an amazing experience. I met all the guys played against Jamal Murray and Bones Hyland was great. Building a relationship with the coaches was amazing, being in vegas that environment seeing all the NBA guys from different organizations was amazing.

You played at Coastal Carolina College (NCAA) from 2018-2021. You put up great stats. How did your game grow there under head coach Cliff Ellis?

Cliff Ellis is a legend and I miss playing under him. He was helpful in so many ways and was a hands on coach. always was respectful and just open with inviting me to his house to build that relationship off the court. He was honest with me and made sure I got better every year.

What was your fondest,moment at Coastal Carolina (NCAA)?

The CBI tournament was amazing. West Virginia was obviously my best game just being in that atmosphere as a freshman and winning was great.

You then played a season with the University of Michigan averaging 10.3ppg, 4.4rpg, 4.5apg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 79.2%. You reached the NCAA Sweet 16. How important was that extra season?

That Michigan season taught me alot about basketball. It showed me how when your not playing well a lot of people won’t support you and that was a viable lesson I needed.

How did head coach Juwan Howard groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Howard prepared me for the professional level. He taught me all the ins and outs of being a professional. He taught me how hard days don’t last forever but strong men overcomes any obstacle.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Eli Brooks?

I love Eli, but he knows who won those battles haha.

Who is the toughest player you ever face din the NCAA that reached the NBA?

Jaden Ivy

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Tremont Waters, Nate Mason, Aaron Henry, Devin Robinson, and Victor

Your NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron, Kobe, Michael, Shaq and Westbrook

Thanks Devante for the chat.

German Hoops

Covering Basketball In Germany!