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Forest Whittaker Didn´t Really Fly into Games But Ivan Kharchenkov Did Helping FC Bayern Munich Win The 2025 NBBL Title

pic credit: helloitsjana

The iconic and groundbreaking 80´s teenage movie Fast Times At Ridgemont High has so many incredible and funny scenes that one has a real difficult time choosing a favorite one. If It´s Mr Hand played by Ray Walston, or Jeff Spicoli played by Sean Penn or Brad Hamilton played by Judge Reinhold, there is a hilarious scene for everybody. Ivan Kharchenko has about as much to do with this movie as Shaq does with winning a weight loss contest, but his situation recently reminded me of a funny scene in the movie involving Oscar winner Forest Whittaker. In the scene, Charles Jefferson played by Forest Whittaker who is the school´s top football player wants to buy some concert tickets to see Earth Wind And Fire. After he does, there is a little boy who was standing next to him that proclaims “Wow does he really live here, I thought he just flew in for games”. That line reminded me of Ivan Kharchenkov (198-SG-2006)´s Sunday May 19th day as he flew from Munich to Berlin just to play in the NBBL final. “This was very special to be able to do. It really did feel like a dream”, stressed Ivan Kharchenkov. Forest Whittaker didn´t really just fly in to play games, but Ivan Kharchenkov did.

The big speculation on Saturday at the NBBL top 4 was, would Ivan Khrachenkov play or not. Game 1 of the easyCredit BBL playoffs between FC Bayern Munich and MBC was also being played on that day and every wondered would Ivan get the nod from Gordon Herbert to help his NBBL (U-19) team. Herbert chose to keep him in Munich. Munich didn´t play their best basketball against Rasta Academy as they had to go into overtime to win to reach the NBBL final. Ivan had logged only 3 minutes in the game 1 win which was played a little bit earlier than the NBBL semi final. “I was able to watch the last 2 minutes of the fourth quarter and saw the overtime. I was pretty confident they would win. I mean I knew that my teammates knew that if they didn´t give 100%, then there would be no tomorrow. I was happy when Ivan Volf hit the big three pointer to take the lead. I have been playing with him since the U-14 team. He works so hard on his shot and it paid off”, said Ivan Kharchenkov. With FC Bayern Munich now in the final, the question was could he play this time.? The whole procedure of could he play or not was something that the famous club thought very carefully about. “The club told me when they changed the BBL game to Saturday that I could not play the semi-final in Berlin. They also told me that Sunday would be a no go since we had game 2 on Tuesday in Weissenfels. So I went into game 1 against MBC knowing I wouldn´t play in Berlin. However after the game 1 win, I was on my way out of the arena and the sport director approached me and told me they were thinking of allowing me to go to Berlin for the final. They asked me if I still wanted to go. I was like of course I want to go. I have been wanting to go since yesterday. So I was up at 6:00am Sunday and took a flight to Berlin at 9am”, remembered Ivan Kharchenkov. The question was would he be accepted by his teammates flying in to only play the final. German basketball legend Steffen Hamann was 100% sure it would be no problem. “I believe my teammates had no problem with me flying in. They knew that I wanted to play the final. They knew that It wasn´t my decision that I couldn´t play the semi-final, but that it was political. They were happy that I could play”, expressed Ivan Kharchenkov.

pic credit: Helloitsjana

The final was at 4:30 and I already knew at 3.00 pm that he would play, because his mother had told me that he would play. The FC Bayern Munich players came on the court for warmups and there was Ivan Kharchenko ready for battle against ratiopharm Ulm. Was ratiopharm Ulm possibly intimidated that he was suddenly there for the final? “I mean could be, but I´m not sure. If a guy comes back, then that could be an extra factor. I think they kind of had an idea that I would come back”, stated Ivan Kharchenkov. FC Bayern Munich didn´t play their best game against Rasta Academy, but there was no doubt in his mind that his team would come to take care of business in the final. “When I knew that I was cleared to play the final, there was never a doubt in my mind that we would lose. I just knew that we had to work hard. Plus coach Perego had prepared us well to be mentally tough. He was always telling us that we would dominate coming into the Top 4 and just kept saying it over and over. That domination became our mindset. The final was our time to dominate”, warned Ivan Kharchenkov. Just like against Rasta Academy, FC Bayern Munich came out slow against ratiopharm Ulm and Kharchenkov was 0/4 in the first quarter. “For me it was tough coming into a totally different role than what I have with the BBL team. But I did remain aggressive and when shots didn´t fall, I tried to bring defensive energy and got some stops. I just tried to lead by example”, explained Ivan Kharchenkov. FC Bayern fought back and it would remain a tight affair going into the fourth quarter. However FC Bayern Munich took care of business to begin the last frame with a 14-2 run which decided the game. “I don´t know if that phase was some of our best defense this season, because we had so many different guys playing at different times this season. But I felt like we defended at a high level and had little mistakes. We also secured the defensive rebound. All in all, it was a solid effort”, stressed Ivan Kharchenkov. The team didn´t only get a stellar scoring game from Dominik Dolic, but got exceptional scoring help from Sermpezis and Kodjo who combined for 24 points. “They are both good defenders and were aggressive on the ball. They were the perfect filler spot. Every team needs guys like that. I really liked Killian Duck who played a great game, but really it was the whole team that contributed to the title”, said Ivan Kharchenkov.

pic credit: helloitsjana

Then when the buzzer finally sounded, a big weight was released off the shoulders of the FC Bayern Munich players. Ivan Kharchenkov who believes that the Oklahoma Thunder will meet the Indiana Pacers in the NBA final and win it had finally won the NBBL title something he had been striving to do for years. Was that feeling like having a birthday and Christmas all in one? “A birthday and Christmas happen once a year and winning the NBBL title doesn´t. It was really very very special for me. Even if it wasn´t deserved so much on my part, because I only played 2 games, I´m just very thankful that I could be a part of this. I´m just really thrilled for my teammates. They supported me a lot during the season and I just tried to help them in the final”, added Ivan Kharchenkov. Playing in the final and winning it will surely be a moment he will tell his grand children one day. “My favorite play of the game for myself was probably the mid range shots that I made or making free throws. Free throws are always good. I will never forget being able to celebrate with my teammates, mom and fans”, commented Ivan Kharchenkov. The question now is was this NBBL final game the last time that Ivan Kharchenkov, Ivan Volf and Dominik Dolic were on the court as teammates? “ I fear it was. They will probably go their own ways. But I would love to play with them again”, said Ivan Kharchenkov. But if not as teammates then as opponents. “It was always nice to see them at Euro events the last years. Even there we would chill together. It is always nice to have that home level with them as teammates or opponents”, stressed Ivan Kharchenkov. Who knows, but they might meet this summer again at youth tournaments. But before that moment comes, Ivan Kharchenkov is focusing on winning a second title within a month as he strives for his second BBL title.

Watching Teodosic And Campazzo Video´s Has Allowed Nico Wenzl(BBC Coburg) To Dish Out Beautiful Passes On A Regular Basis

Nico Wenzl (184-PG-2001) is a 24 year old 184cm point guard that completed his second season with BBC Coburg averaging 9,1ppg, 3,2rpg and 6,6apg. He began his basketball career with DJK Neustadt. He then played in the medi Bayreuth organization from 2017-2021 playing 12 easyCredit BBL games. He also played a season with BBC Coburg in that span and with the TenneT Young Heroes U19 team (NBBL). In the last years he also played with the Dresden Titans, Trier, MBC and Sandersdorf. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Nico for talking to germanhoops.com You had BBL experience in Bayreuth and last season with MBC. You r eturned back to the Pro B. Why did you take 2 steps back?

I decided to take a step back so I could get more minutes and responsibility.

Is the easyCredit BBL dream over for you now or is it still a goal?

I wouldn´t go as far as saying that it is over, because my goal is to play as high as possible as long as I have a role.

You returned back to BBC Coburg after being away for 5 years. How did it feel to be back? Is it like a second home for you?

I wouldn´t say that it is a second home, but everything is very familiar. I feel very comfortable here.

How are you a better player now than compared to 2020 when you left?

I´m more mature and balanced. My focus is more on the playmaking and I´m a better leader now. I also have a stronger body.

Tobias Rotegaard said that he enjoys the vibe on the road. Why is BBC Coburg so strong on the road?

We ask ourselves that question a lot. I think that when your on the road, you travel all day and are more focused on the task at hand. I think we are more preoccupied before home games.

What has it been like sharing the back court at times with talented German Adrian Petkovic? What do you appreciate most about his game?

He is very aggressive on offense and a great scorer. When we play together, I have more room. We compliment each other very well.

You were a scoring point guard in the NBBL and never averaged more than 3.8apg as a pro. This season your averaging more than 6,0apg. Did you always have that playmaking in you?

I have always had it in me. I just had a different role in the NBBL. We didn´t have many scorers so I had to do that. This season we have many scorers so I can focus on my playmaking.

Especially in the game in Frankfurt, you dished out some nice assists. At times you looked like Luka Doncic. Do you watch his passing skills?

I watch more Euroleague than NBA. I do watch Doncic highlights, but I watch more videos of Teodosic and Campazzo.

Your averaging 7,8ppg in 31 minutes. Would you like to be averaging more points in the minutes that you get?

I´m focusing more on playmaking because the team needs it more than my scoring. I just do what the team needs. I think my scoring would hurt the team more.

Last season you played with the BSW Sixers Sandersdorf (ProB) averaging 11.8ppg, 2.7rpg, 3.8apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 44.3%, 3PT: 30.7%, FT: 73.9%. You also played 7 BBL games. What kind of an experience was playing for the 2025 BBL cup winner?

It was a very fun experience. It was fun especially during the home games. The arena is small, so it gets very loud.

You had talented American guards with Callison, Baldwin and Stove. Do you feel like you got a fair chance there? You only averaged 3,0 minutes in the BBL?

I knew before the season began that my focus would be more on the Pro B. I would practice mainly with the BBL team. I think that I did as good as a job I could of in the practices.

In 2022-2023 you went from Bayreuth to Trier, but averaged only 2,2ppg in 10 minutes time. How disappointing was this season? I´m sure you expected more playing time?

I think that the overall minutes that I averaged per game is deceiving. I played in some games where I started and played 25 minutes while in other games played 2-5 minutes. I feel like that when I did get the trust, I did a good job at that level. It is just difficult when new Americans come, you kind of slip down the rotation.

What was it like playing behind Garai Zeeb? What could you soak up most from him?

Garai is a very good defender and leader. I soaked up those 2 qualities the most from him.

What was it like playing for Jermaine Bucknor? The next season he was NBA champion with Boston. How crazy was that?

That was a huge step for him. I´m really happy for him. He was such a hard worker as a player and coach. It was a huge experience for him.

In 21-22 you played with the Dresden Titans (ProB) averaging 7.8ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 43.7%, 3PT: 40.5%, FT: 77.8%. You won the Pro B title. What was so special about this team?

I think that we had the most talented team in the Pro B that season. I think that our biggest strength that season was our chemistry. Most guys had been playing together for years and knew each other well.

Did you have some growing pains coming form the BBL going to the Pro B? How did your game grow under Fabian Strauss?

His playing style fit mine really well. He liked to play free and fast what I like. He liked us taking shots with confidence. That season was a lot of fun. He did a good job finding creative solutions on offense.

You played with medi Bayreuth form 2017-2021. You played your first BBL game at age 17 in May 2018 against Ludwigsburg logging 2 minutes. What memories do you have of him?

I remember that I was very nervous for the whole game. It was a blowout loss against Ludwigsburg in the playoffs. I knew I would play at the end. I was really happy to be able to make my debut in the playoffs.

Do you ever remember battling Gabe York in practice? He reached the NBA with the Magic Pacers a few years later?

I remember when I read that we had signed him, I had no idea who he was. Right away I watched his highlight videos on you tube. He was one of the most talented players that I ever played with. He was so athletic and could hit from all over.

You played your first season with BBC Coburg in 2019-2020 averaging 3,6ppg. How important was it for you having a teammate like Chris Wolf?

Everybody loved him. The fans would chat his name double as loud as everyone else´s. He was our leader and held the team together. He always made the big shots when we needed them most.

In the 2020-2021 season you played 11 games for medi Bayreuth. What was it like playing behind Bastian Doreth? What could you soak up from him?

His work ethic was the most important thing that I could take from him. He was always the first to arrive and last to leave the arena. He showed me what it meant to be a full time professional.

Your best easyCredit BBL game was netting 5 points and dishing out 4 assists against Alba Berlin. What memories do you have playing against guys like Lo, Sikma and Fontecchio

We had guys injured with Doreth and Jones and I knew I would play. I got in in the first half and then from about the 5 minute mark of the third quarter, I played until the end. I think that I used my chance well. I was very nervous, but as soon as I was on the court, it went away.

Who won a 1-1 back in the day you or Christian Feneberg?

If I had to bet, then I would say that I won more games.

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

Tyrese Rice.

Who are your 5 best teammates of all-time?

James Robinson, Gabe York, Nate Linhart, Demon Brooks, Andreas Seifert

Please name your personal NBA, Euro, German Mount Rushmore?

Kobe, Bryant Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Shaq

Milos Teodosic, Nikos Galis, Nikola Jokic, Giannis

Dirk Nowitzki, Dennis Schroeder, Franz Wagner, Pascal Roller

Who is your Goat?

Kobe Bryant

Thanks Nico for the chat.

Sometimes 3 Is A Charm But For Dominik Dolic(FC Bayern Munich) 4 Was A Charm

pic credit: ellystro_media

I must admit watching Ivan Kharchenkov has been very special in the last 4 years mainly because I wrote my first article about him when he was only 16 and many more followed and I had ties to his half brother Nikita. For me there were 2 other great guards a bit in his shadow of Kharchenkov with Ivan Volf and Dominik Dolic (190-SG-2006) who have made great strides in their development the last years. Both of these standout guards are from Croatia and have been teammates in Munich and the youth national teams of Croatia for years. I have seen Dominik Dolic play in very many places in the last 4 years in Germany. If It was in the NBBL and Pro B in Frankfurt, or the Pro B in Rhondorf or the Top 4 in Frankfurt and Berlin, it was always a pleasure. Today I´m focusing on the amazing NBBL top 4 weekend of Dominik Dolic who won MVP. He couldn´t have won the MVP without the help of his team especially his 2 guard colleagues with Kharchenkov and Volf. It was such a pleasure watching Dolic and Volf on Saturday and then all 3 on Sunday in the NBBL final where they finally combined for the championship, the first for FC Bayern Munich since 2019 when they won it last. “ It felt amazing especially after losing 3 times in a row and now finally we got it”, said Dominik Dolic. The question is will they ever play together again? Khrachenkov is a role player for the Munich FC Bayern Munich BBL team while Dolic and Volf now seek the next step. The question will be can they also make the next step and become role players like Kharchenkov in the easyCredit BBL or was that the last game for the 3 amigos “ I hope not. But I don’t think it’s the last game that we ever played together.”, warned Dominik Dolic. But what was his favorite moment with the 2 others? “Winning the NBBL together or maybe when we all were together at the youth Olympic Games. Me and Ivan V with Croatia and Ivan K with Germany”, added Dominik Dolic.

FC Bayern Munich came into the NBBL Top 4 seeking revenge for the bitter loss last season against Rasta Academy. FC Bayern Munich weren´t necessarily the favorite or were they? “Coach did a great job getting us ready during preparation for the final 4. So we were mentally motivated, but in my opinion we also weren’t the underdogs in this tournament“, stressed Dominik Dolic. FC Bayern Munich didn´t play their best and always allowed Rasta Academy to hang around and had to play overtime. Even if there was pressure, FC Bayern Munich had the needed strong mentality that helped them get the win. “I just believed that together we could do it. To be honest I didn’t have the feeling that we would lose in any second of the game”, warned Dominik Dolic. In the overtime period, they were able to come together as a team and get revenge as Marko Volf came up big in crunch-time and hit the biggest three pointer in his youth career. “Marco´s shot was really special I think. Especially when he hit that corner three everybody of us felt kind of relieved”, said Dominik Dolic. Dolic didn´t have a great shooting day going 2/9, but when shots aren´t falling then one has to help his team in others ways. And that is exactly what he did hauling down 5 rebounds, dishing out 7 dimes and getting a steal and block.

In the final FC Bayern Munich had to battle the always tough ratiopharm Ulm that had 2 ex 2022 JBBL champions on the squad with Jordan Mueller and Joel Cwik. FC Bayern Munich had to give a way better performance against them then what they displayed against Rasta Academy. “We knew that if we also play bad in this game that we would lose so that was an extra motivation”, warned Dominik Dolic. Everybody was speculating on Sunday morning about if Ivan Kharchenkov would play in the final or not. He didn´t play in the semi-final, because FC Bayern Munich kept him in Munich for gamme 1 of the BBL playoffs against MBC where he only played 3 minutes. He flew to Berlin Sunday morning with his mother. Would his presence disrupt the Munich team chemistry? EasyCredit BBL legend Steffen Hamann stated it wouldn´t and he would be right. Did his presence possibly give ratiopharm some fear something they may not really have realized? “I don’t know if Ulm had more fear, probably yes but I just was so happy seeing him Sunday morning in the hotel knowing that he would make a very big impact for us in final”, smiled Dominik Dolic. Like in the semi-final against Rasta Academy, FC Bayern Munich came out slow and Ivan Kharchenko couldn´t find his groove going 0/4 from the field. That was the golden opportunity for Dolic to step up and take on some responisbility. “I was just doing everything I could to help the team get the win. My shots weren’t really falling in the semifinal game so my mindset for the final game was to keep shooting I knew that at some point I would start to fall in”, commented Dominik Dolic. The game was a real nail bitter going into the fourth quarter, but then FC Bayern Munich took matters into their own hands and went on a massive and lethal 14-2 run to gain the extra momentum and decide the game. Was that span some of their best defense this season? “Definitely, we played almost perfect defense together in the second half. I did enjoy being on the court at that time, it felt amazing”, expressed Dominik Dolic. The crafty and shifty guard who is a mix out of Micic and Teodosic hit three´s from all over the floor in many different key moments of the game on his way to the MVP title. “I was just playing the game in some situations it felt like I could get a good shot up and I wasn’t really hesitating”, said Dominik Dolic. My favorite trey of his 5 that afternoon was his crazy cross over to his left and nailing the shot. Dorian Grosber of Alba Berlin has put up more than 10,000 shots this season in practice, that you have to wonder how many shots Dolic has put up? “Everyday after practice I’m working on different shots spot up and of the dribble so I think a lot. I averaged putting up between 200-300 shots a day with Ivan Volf”, smiled Dominik Dolic. Two key x-factors in the final were Sermpezis and Kodjoe who combined for 24 points and gave not only gave vital stability on the offensive end. “For sure, they also made a big impact on the defensive end”, stressed Dominik Dolic.

pic credit: ellystro_media

The shooting genius who feels that the Minnesota Timberwolves will win the 2025 NBA title over the New York Knicks finished the final with 19 points, 11 boards, 4 assists and 4 steals and deserved to win the MVP award. It was definitely a day that must of felt like a combination of a birthday and Christmas. “It was definitely one of the best days in my basketball career, I enjoyed every second of it. Winning the MVP was amazing. I wasn’t really thinking about winning the MVP for me the only thing that mattered was winning the league I gave everything I had and in the end that was the out outcome ”, said Dominik Dolic. He had one favorite play of the weekend and of course it wasn´t to difficult to predict what his favorite moment was. “The corner three of Ivan. With that shot he brought us to the final. The coolest moment at the top 4 was raising the trophy together with my team”, stated Dominic Dolic. Nothing could cap off the weekend best than the trip back to Munich. Was the trip home crazy or more chilled? “The bus ride was very long so we had a little bit of everything. Of course we also got a little crazy and celebrated”, smiled Dominik Dolic. It was a pleasure to have been able to follow Dominik Dolic at the NBBL level the last years. Now it will be interesting to observe how his professional career will continue. I will definitely keep tabs on this exceptional high energy guard in the next years.

Dorian Grosber Is Confident That Good Things Could Happen At The NBBL Top 4 If Alba Berlin Can Focus On The Things They Can Control

Pic credit: Luxemburg Basketball Federation

Dorian Grosber (197-PG-2006) is an 18 year old 197cm forward from Luxemburg playing in the Alba Berlin organization. He primarily plays for the farm team Lok Bernau averaging 9/4/2 and and for the NBBL (U-19) team averaging 11/6/3/2. He also has played 2 Euroleague games. Last season he played 10 games for Lok Bernau averaging 2,8ppg, 2,0rpg and 1,7apg and with the NBBL team averaged 9/6/3. In the 2022-2023 season he helped Alba Berlin win the NBBL title averaging 5/3/1. He began his basketball career with BBC Sparta Bertrange U17 team (EYBL) and also played with the CFBB Luxembourg U16 team (EYBL). He spoke to germanhoops.com before the 2025 NBBL tournament in Berlin.

Thanks Dorian for talking to germanhoops.com. You play for Alba Berlin, Lok Bernau and the Alba Berlin U-19 team. Does school fit in somewhere in between? How challenging is life in general for you?

I finished school last year, so this year I can only focus on basketball. I think life isn’t so challenging, because I have no problems here in Berlin.

You won the NBBL title in 2023 in Frankfurt. Now your back in the top 4 again in 2025. How excited are you to be back?

I’m very excited. We have a great team and everyone on our team deserves to be in the top4

What memories do you have of the title in 2023? It was won on a buzzer beater by Nils Machowski. Did you know it was going in when he released the ball?

The best memory was for sure, running on the court after winning the game. When the shot went up, I was just hoping it goes in. The week before he made exactly the same in our 1v1, so after it was funny looking back at the shot.

This season’s team is stacked once again with unbelievable talent. Is this team stronger than in 2023?

You can’t compare the both teams. We have a very good team this year, with some very good prospects. It’s hard to say, but I love both teams.

Alba Berlin had to go the distance against Rostock and Leverkusen. How important was this for the development of the team? Could that extra experience be the difference between a title and not?

We learned a lot from both series. Everything is possible in basketball and we saw that. Winning by 50 and then lose by 20 is a perfect example. This experience could for sure help us for the preparation and mindset for the top4, but I think if we play our normal basketball and stay focused, it’s enough.

Alba Berlin plays against ratiopharm Ulm. Alba Berlin has the massive advantage under the court and ratiopharm Ulm like to show off their isolation skills. What will be key to getting the win?

Playing as a team and be focused. If we focus on the things we can control and play defense, then let’s see.

If Alba Berlin play their game plan and can execute well inside, shouldn´t the title be self-evident?

Easier said than done. We still play the best youth teams in Germany, so we need to execute on offense and on defense to win.

What has it been like being teammates with Anton Nufer. Both of you are incredibly focused to become pro´s. What have you soaked in most from his mindset and drive to reach your goals?

Me and Anton came together to Berlin and I’ve been literally spending everyday with him for 3 years now. We push each other a lot in practice and it’s been great living and learning with him.

A little bird tweeted to me that you and Anton Nufer have made 10,000 shots just in practice this season. Do you guys ever have shooting competitions?

Yes, often. We have a lot of shooting competitions in practice. Sometimes I win, sometimes he wins.

How talented is Anton Kemmer? Last season he reached the JBBL top 4 and this year is with the NBBL team at age 16. What have you appreciated most about his game?

Anton is very talented for his age. He is a very good all-around player and an athlete.

Talk a little about the 2 bigs Nevio Bennefeld and Amon Doerries. What are their biggest assets and how do they impact the game best?

They are both very skilled bigs who can shoot the ball well. Their work ethic is very good and they always give their best. Amon of course has more experience than Nevio, but Nevio is also a year younger.

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

I really don’t know. My favourite players to watch are Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady and SGA.

You’re an allrounder. What would you describe as your biggest weapon on the court?

II would say playing 1v1, attacking the basket and rebounding are my best weapons.

What kind of a defender are you at the moment and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

my 1v1 defense is good, but I want to become a lockdown defender in the future. Getting steals is one of my strengths.

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

My shot and my body, are the areas where I’m working the most.

Thanks Dorian for the chat.

Jordan Camper(Sunking Saarlouis) Has Put In 10,000 Hours Of Work Mastering His Spots And Get Different In Game Reps To Maximize His Efficiency

Jordan Camper (203-C, college: Lincoln, PA) is a 203cm forward that played his second professional season and second with the Sunkings Saarlouis (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 18,0ppg, 10,3rpg and 2,3apg.. Last season as a rookie he averaged 19.0ppg, 10.5rpg, 1.2apg, Blocks-5 (1.5bpg), FGP: 65.5%, 3PT-1 (50.0%), FT: 60.0%. He began his basketball career with Chester high school- He then played at the Lincoln University of Pennsylvania (NCAA2) playing a total of 115 games. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Jordan for talking to germanhoops.com You played division 2 basketball and are playing overseas. How blessed do you feel? Do you enjoy each day like it could be your last?

I cherish each moment I get to step on that court. I am extremely blessed to play the sport I love for a living and to be able to provide a better life in a new country for my family. You never know when your last game or last breath could be, so I make sure to make the most of it everyday.

Are you the Jokic of the German Regionalliga? You had a triple double and 10 assists as a center. That’s very unusual?

Haha, Jokic is a very funny comparison. I hope to be a triple double machine and champion like him. I think my coach and teammates recognize my skillset and do our best to work around my abilities.

Was the win over Giessen with your triple double the best game of your career? In your second season in 29 games in the NCAA 2 you only had 6 assists and now you dish out 10 in a game.

Individually I think this was my best professional performance so far. It was even more special to know that my teammate had a triple double in the game as well. I’m not sure but that has to be some type of German history or at least Regionalliga history. And I’ve always been a good passer throughout my career, as a kid I idolized Magic Johnson & Larry Bird which were two of the best passers ever especially for their size.

Your played your second season with the Sunkings Saarlouis (Germany-Regionalliga). Has Saarlouis become like a second home for you?

Saarlouis has truly welcomed me as one of their own. The transition has been pretty smooth. And it’s even better this second year because I was able to have my wife & kid join me as well. So I’m extremely blessed for the opportunity and to have them here with me.

You’re a double double monster now in your second pro season. You didn´t have these minutes or stats in college. How refreshing has the pro game for you considering that you can showcase your abilities?

I always felt that my game was more suited for the Pro level. So I’m just glad to be able to showcase my skills & abilities. I work very hard at my game and there are still parts I want to improve on. So hopefully as time goes on I have a chance to showcase that.

You didn´t play last season. Why did you sit out the season?

During the summer of 2023 I suffered a severe injury. So I decided it was best to just fully rehab and recover. I enjoyed the time off back home and I actually feel as though I’m a better player than I was before the injury.

2 years ago the Sunkings finished second, but this season it hasn´t been going as well. Why is the team in the middle of the pack? The team doesn´t score as much but defends well and has lost 4-5 close games. You could be a lot higher in the standings had you won some more games.

It’s been a rough season for us in terms of record. We lost a key veteran in Florian (who was like a second coach) and Ricky is now a full time coach in Luxembourg so the responsibility has fallen a lot on the younger guys. It’s been a transition but I think with my return we’ll continue to head in the right direction.

What has it been like being teammates with Regionalliga legend Ricky Easterling? He is in his 17th season with the Sunkings and has played more than 400 games with them. Is he like a mentor for you?

Ricky has been like a big brother. I consider him family, I’m not sure I would’ve came here if it wasn’t for him. He really made my first year go fairly easily especially with us coming from similar backgrounds. I’m constantly asking him questions and he always has answers. Also we both have two young girls around the same age and they’re practically best friends.

You don´t play the same position, but what have you soaked up most from his game that has helped you in your development?

Although we have different positions on the court he understands the game so well, and my game so well that he’s given me the blueprint to be successful with this league. He’s like a coach, brother, mentor, trainer, and teammate all in one. Honestly I’d say just learning how to get to my spots efficiently is what I picked up most from him.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 203cm center. To what NBA player would you compare your game to?

I’d say the best comparison would be Giannis Antetokounmpo. The way he can get downhill and attack on offense with his length and athleticism. Also his two way ability to guard on the perimeter and protect the rim. Although I’m listed as a center, I commonly play a Point Forward role within our offense. I would also say Bam Adebayo is a fair comparison as well.

You can score and rebound, but are also a shot blocking threat. What is your biggest strength on the court?

Honestly my biggest strength on the court is my versatility whether on offense or defense. I’m able to guard pretty well on the perimeter and imposing enough to defend the rim. And on offense I can either be a post player, roll man, or the ball handler for pick and roll creating plays for myself & others.

Talk a little about your defensive game. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I’d say I’m a solid all-around defender. My role is mostly used as a rim protector, which I’d say I’m pretty good at. But I would like to showcase my full court defensive skills and be able to pick up guys full court. I’ve always admired defenders like Scottie Pippen & Dennis Rodman. As my career continues I would like to increase my steals production and be able to guard the opposing team’s best offensive threat each game.

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

I’m continuing to just master my spots and get different in game reps to maximize my efficiency. I’ve put in about 10,000 hours with different aspects of my game so it’s just about sharpening iron & focusing on making my teammates better. Leadership is something I pride myself on and continuing to grow as a leader is one of main priorities.

You have shown that you can be a top center at the Regionalliga level. What goals do you have as a player? I´m sure you have checked out Pro B and Pro A games in places like Trier and Speyer or Karlsruhe?

I haven’t really checked out any other leagues besides the NBA. I am curious to learn about the different leagues in Germany. Personally I would like to play at the highest level which would be either the NBA or Euroleague.

You played at Lincoln University of Pennsylvania (NCAA2) from 2017-2022. What kind of an experience was that for you? You didn´t have massive stats. What kind of a role did you have?

My experience at Lincoln was honestly bittersweet. My first few years I played under Doug Overton. He was a former NBA player & coach, so playing for him is really what attracted me to Lincoln. My main role was to just develop my first couple of years, be a leader, and just have high energy. My last year was different under a new head coach who wanted to rebuild the program with his incoming freshman. So my job was to be a mentor to the freshman so they can excel in their later years. Which I think I did pretty good at because the young guys are absolutely hooping right now. LU!

You had many great games in the NCAA 2 like having a 26/13 game in a win over Kutztown. What was your fondest moment on the court?

My fondest moment on the court was actually my first college point which was a free throw in West Virginia. Besides that I would say a few of my poster dunks & monster blocks were pretty nice.

How did head coaches Doug Overton and Corey Lowery groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Doug Overton really showed me what it takes to be a pro. He had first hand experience with playing and coaching at the highest level. So I was constantly asking him questions, in the gym with him, and in his office watching film. Coach Lowery was very different, he loved to talk about his accomplishments and was great for younger guys. His messages were more towards the younger guys since I had already shown I was a responsible athlete. Most of our conversations were about family, faith, and people.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Deaquan Williams?

Me & DayDay wouldn’t play 1 on 1 too much but when we did I’d say it was about even. I would win some, and he would win some.

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

Mo Bamba was very difficult to play against. I played him twice in high school and he sat in the middle of their 2-3 zone. I honestly don’t think we had any paint points or offensive rebounds.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

I’ve had so many teammates over the years but the five best that come to mind are Zahrion Blue, Bernard Lightsey, Cameron Campbell, Deaquan Williams, and Gevon Arrington.

Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore?

MJ, Kobe, Lebron, Magic.

What is your take on the Luca Doncic trade? How crazy is it to digest that as a fan?

I’m honestly surprised they traded Luka, especially in the middle of the season. I think short-term it benefits Dallas, and long-term it benefits LA.

Who is your GOAT

My goat would probably be MJ. I think if you put him in a best of 7 he would win 9/10 times.

Thanks Jordan for the chat.

Tobias Rotegard(BBC Coburg) Learned In The States That You Can´t Ever Take A Play Off Or You Will Get Beat

Tobias Rotegard (201-G/F-2000, college: LBSU) is a 24 year old 201cm forward from Kongsberg, Norway completed this season in Germany with BBC Coburg (ProB) averaging 14,5ppg, 3,9rpg and 3,8apg. He began the season with the South West Metro Pirates (Australia-NBL One) averaging 9.0ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 30.8%, 3PT: 38.7% and then moved to the Kongsberg Miners (BLNO) averaging 16.3ppg, 5.2rpg, 3.2apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 63.9%, 3FGP: 34.1%, FT: 90.9%. Last season he played with the Kongsberg Miners (BLNO) averaging 12.9ppg, 5.6rpg, 3.4apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 75.0%. He lived in the United States from 2018-2022 playing at Oak Hill Academy and Sunrise Christian academy. He then played a season at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and at Long Beach State University. He began his basketball career in Norway with the Kongsberg Miners. He spoke togermanhoops.com about basketball during the season.

Thanks Tobias for talking to germanhoops.com. After many years with the Kongsberg Miners, you decided to come to come to Germany and BBC Coburg. Why did you leave your comfort zone?

I mainly left because the Norwegian league doesn’t get respect internationally. So to take steps up to higher levels we felt I needed to a league where historically have some players who move up the levels after every season.

You’re in the middle of the playoff fight. How exciting is this period of time for you?

It’s very exciting! Every week is of high importance and the league being so tight makes it so fun every time we get an important win. Every week is challenging which makes time feel like it’s flying by. It’s always the best time of year!

I feel that BBC Coburg have underachieved a bit this season. They are very talented. How confident are you that the team can make a run now despite having 3 of the next 4 games on the road?

For some reason the team has actually had better results on the road then at home. So for us it honestly does not matter that much in the sense of our chances to win or lose. I also personally really enjoy the vibe on the road. The feeling of having a whole crowd cheering against me, makes me even more focused.

The team has many talented players and scorers. You’re a guy that can fill the stat sheet well. What is your role on the team?

My role is to be a little bit of everything. I rebound, defend multiple positions, playmaking and shooting. Coach wants me to always be dangerous offensively, to be someone the other team needs to have full attention on.

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

I think I can be very similar to Devin Booker at times. I would say he is more of a 1 on 1 player than me and I’m more of a playmaker than him. But, he’s the NBA star I see the most similarities to. I’m mostly thinking of how he plays when he played FIBA basketball with USA as well.

Would you classify your shot and IQ as your 2 biggest strengths? What other assets does your game have?

Yes, those are the two things that stand out firstly. I’m also a steady rebounder at my position, I can defend both bigs and guards, and better athleticism than I get credit for.

You fill the stats sheet well. How big is versatility in your game and are you a sort of a glue guy?

I love to win! I want to do everything I can to impact winning every game I play. So being versatile, doing what the team needs the most at every moment is so important to me. I wouldn’t say I’m a glue guy. Even though it’s a role I can take upon myself in moments, it’s not a label I have as a player generally. Mostly because I am always involved offensively with shooting and playmaking.

You have always been a good shooter, but still looking to reach the 40% mark. What do you still need to do to get there with your shot?

I was that throughout my high school and youth career, but never in college or the pros yet. Which has been irritating me every off season the last 5 years. I think it’s a result of not playing that much always early in my college career and shot selection. It’s something I am very capable of doing and I want to make every shot I take obviously. The last couple years I have set a good routine for myself and started to be more aggressive offensively off the dribble to expand my game a little more. I think that’s going to unlock my offensive repertoire and give me good looks more consistently.

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

Right now I am a guy that is very solid. I can defend 1-4 positions and defend with a high IQ. I always want to improve my level. I think there’s lots more potential to unravel for myself. So I want to reach to be a guy that can be trusted to always defend the other team’s best scorer.

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

Right now I would say it’s my downhill game. I need to get more used to always making the most efficient decision when catching the ball. Not relying too much on shooting. To attack the basket when that’s what makes the most sense.

You began your basketball career with the Kongsberg Miners. How important were your early years there? How did you develop further as a player?

It’s my home. It’s where I always come back to in the off season. Where everything started and where I work on my game to reach new levels every summer. My dad introduced me to basketball, he played it himself and developed me as a player growing up.

What memories do you have of Calvin Oldham? He has been balling in Germany for years? He was your teammate in 2016-2017.

An amazing teammate! Overall a great person as well. I loved having him as a teammate. I was only 16 years old when I played with him so I didn’t play all the games that year, but he was always supportive and a great rebounder. So I enjoyed it a lot when he would kick the ball out to me for an open shot after grabbing an offensive rebound.

You then played 1 season at the famous Oak Hill academy. How does a boy from Norway land there? Not any kid can just go there?

Richard Morgan and Sean Kilmartin are the ones who helped me get a scholarship to go to Oak Hill. Sean Kilmartin runs a program called USA Select who has tryouts and selects a team to travel around Europe playing preseason games. They visited Kongsberg three years in a row. So they had the chance to see me play as a 16 and 17 year old. I played very well against them when I was 17 and they recommended me to Coach Smith at Oak Hill. Yeah, there’s only been a handful of European players to ever have played there.

So many famous players went there with the most famous being Kevin Durant. What kind of an experience was the 1 year there? What did you learn there that you wouldn’t have learned in Europe?

It was very competitive. That year we had 12 players on the roster throughout the year who ended up playing Division 1 basketball on a full scholarship. What I learned was how mentally competitive and aggressive the game is in the US. It taught me that I can’t take even a single possession off when playing, you have to be focused at all times or you will get beat. Which was something I struggled with in my youth career so that was very important for my development.

You then played 3 years in the NCAA starting with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (NCAA), but played only 7 games. How tough was this season? What positives could you take from it?

It was the first year of playing after the COVID 19 pandemic as well, so it was a very unique season. The team had lots of older players on the roster who were very good defensively. I think we ended the season being ranked in the top 5 in defensive ppg for all division 1 schools. I wasn’t that good of a defender at the time so I didn’t make the rotation because of that. It frustrated me a lot at the time, but I did improve my defense a lot that year. So I’m still appreciative of my year there.

You were teammates with current LA Laker Trey Jemison a real Cinderella story. If someone had told you then that he would reach the NBA what would you have thought?

I would’ve said that’s amazing. He’s such a hard worker, who does a lot of dirty work for the teams he plays on. He always has the loudest voice on defense! I think it’s great that he’s doing so well for himself.

You then played 2 years at Long Beach State University, but played only 64 NCAA games and never averaged more than 3,7ppg. You never averaged more than 14,7 minutes per game. How do you remember these 2 years? What positives could you take from it?

I remember them as challenging, but fun. We won a regular season title my first year which was amazing. But, we lost the final of our conference tournament by one point which really stung for a while. Then my second year we really underperformed as a team. We really struggled to have longer winning streaks and being consistent. So those two years I learned to deal with not living up to expectations and I matured a lot as a person there.

Who won a 1- in practice you or Joe Hampton?

We never played 1 on 1 so I don’t really know. He definitely loves playing 1 on 1 a lot more than I do. But I think I would beat him. I like my combination of size and speed.

In the 2023-2024 season you returned to the Kongsberg Miners (BLNO) averaging 12.9ppg, 5.6rpg, 3.4apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 53.6%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 75.0%. How were you a different player then than when you left in 2018?

Well firstly I was almost 6 years older. So I was a lot older and bigger. My shooting was also a lot more consistent. The first two games I played also deflated my averages a lot because I played them only a few days after I finished my rehab from wrist surgery.

You have been a big part of the youth national teams of Norway including winning a Gold medal at the U-18 eurochampionships. What memories do you have of that Gold medal run?

It was a lot of fun! We had to play in the C division which is unusual for Norway. So we had lots of pressure to win the tournament so we could move up to B the next year. The games ended up being a lot easier than expected and we went through the whole tournament beating every team by double digits.

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

Jaime Jaquez is the best current NBA player I played against and guarded in college. A great competitor and plays very physical who knows how to use his footwork and angles.

Who are your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Cam Thomas, Cole Anthony, Aboubacar Traore, Trey Jemison and Kofi Cockburn.

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Steph Curry, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. I have them four because they changed the sport the most within the last 4 decades. Steph because of the shooting. MJ made it worldwide. And Bird and Magic made the sport mainstream in the US.

Who is your Goat and why?

My Goat is Michael Jordan. To me he has the highest, most unstoppable peak of any other basketball player over a decade. Both defensively and offensively.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?

No I didn’t. I haven’t even seen the first movie yet. So I think I have a new movie suggestion to watch with my girlfriend!

Thanks Tobias for the chat.

10 Year Veteran Chris Miller Is Still In Love With The Process And Will Give Germany Another Try This Summer

Christopher Miller (192-G-1993, college: Salem) is a 10 year professional veteran and is blessed to have seen a lot in the world of basketball having played in counties like El Salvador, Bosnia, Switzerland and recently in Iraq. However he has spent most of his career in Germany as he has displayed his basketball art for parts of 5 seasons. It is only fitting that Germany has become like a second home. The only problem is he has always paid his dues in Germany in one league called the Regionalliga and is still looking to make the jump up a league. He definitely has the skills to play in the Pro B, but so often it´s politics that gets in the way. Some lose faith in the process while others don´t. “I am living my dream of playing professionally. I just finished my 10th season. I am still in love with the process and whatever comes with it I know what skills I have and what I bring to the table and still believe despite age I have a lot more left in the tank. My goal is to see that through”, stressed Christopher Miller. I remember seeing him last summer during pre season at a Frankfurt Pro B game always seeking that next opportunity, but his calling wasn´t Germany, but Iraq. “ That is just the way basketball goes. I came too late to Germany this time around and wasn’t very happy with the offers I had so I bet on myself and waited out for the next opportunity. I say this all the time but I cant say why teams pass up on me all I can focus on is being the best I can be for that team that decides to give me the chance”, warned Christopher Miller.

The ex Salem University (NCAA2) played last season with Darbandkhan (Iraq-Superleague) and experienced a different kind of basketball and lifestyle that not many Americans have witnessed. “I enjoyed the game in Iraq. I played against some big names and ex NBA players. I was able to gain some respect by holding my own against those names and keeping my team competitive. The talent of the imports was the best talent have played in a professional setting thus far”, said Christopher Miller. He was only a month in Iraq, but made most of his opportunity averaging 16/5/1/1 stats. “I was signed after the National team break. I played 5 games and our team was making strides of improvement. Unfortunately there was some disagreements with the team owners sponsors and president of sports in the city and they decided to remove the men´s club from further competition. It was a sad decision that shook up the city many of the fans were upset saying I was one of the best imports to come to the team and how they wish things were different. The coaches and staff were happy with me and my performances. Unfortunately the decision came from above their heads”, remembered Christopher Miller. In that short time, he was teammates with the ultra basketball globetrotter Eric Kibi who has played 12 pro seasons, in 15 countries for 25 teams. Miller also has a deep resume, but few beat a Kibi so it was only obvious that he could soak up a lot from him. “Eric and I share a similar journey man path. It was good to hear his story and take some advice on how he was able to keep climbing the ladder. I learned from him that work ethic is key to longevity there is no luck in lasting in this game more than a decade no matter the level. You have to be hungry and willing to work everyday”, warned Christopher Miller. But not only was basketball enriching, but of the court, he experienced things that few Americans have ever seen. “Iraq is a beautiful place. It changed my way of thinking. At first I will admit I was a bit afraid of what might happen. Soon after I was happy with my decision to go. The people were welcoming and kind, the views were unreal and the food was some of the best I have ever had. I had a very nice house and everything I needed was taken care of”, commented Christopher Miller.

At the moment the ex Tri-State Admirals (BSL) guard is back at home in the states recharging and gearing up for the next basketball adventure. Training day in and out for the next overseas opportunity can become tedious, so why not play in a league. That is exactly what the American has been doing participating in the Mellennial Sports Elite Division Mens Basketball League. “This league is a fun league for me to get reps up and enjoy competing with some friends of mine. I enjoy the atmosphere and being able to make mistakes without pressure and just let loose. The league is still competitive so my goal is to dominate while working on new parts of my game. Whenever I am home and have free time my guys pick me up and we try to compete for a championship every time. So far I am 2/3 for championships”, smiled Christopher Miller. Getting more experience with games can benefit anyone no matter if they are looking to go overseas or not. “This is a men´s league everyone uses it as something different. I personally use it to sharpen my decision making work on different parts of my game against good competition. Some people play in this to stay in shape having something to do after work. Some use it to get back in shape to be primed for summer for tryouts or other leagues. This is not exactly a professional league, but just guys enjoying the beauty of the game”, said Christopher Miller. He recently exploded for 57 points in a game as he showed once again that he is a genuine walking bucket. “57 points is the most I have scored ever. I have had a few 50 plus performances however. With 50 in Clinton Community college, 50 My first year in Bensheim, 54 in Dominican Republic 2019. I have also had countless 40 point games but 57 holds the record”, smiled Christopher Miller. It was one of those games where he showed his total scoring arsenal and he had something to prove to himself. “This particular game I was a bit mad from the game before I believe this might be the first game I lost in this league. I made a promise to one of the owners of the league that I would get 40 next game. I came in with that mentality already and in the first 5 minutes I went 5/5. I finished the first half with 28. I scored at all levels working on just getting the first available shot. I believe I hit 10 3 pointers and didn´t miss a free throw. This is really just me prepping for a big summer. Please stay tuned”, warned Christopher Miller.

The explosive scoring guard who could have versatile as his middle name will continue to sharpen his skills during the day and at night following the NBA playoffs which begin. It is always nice talking NBA basketball with him. One guy who is shooting for his first chip is Canadian point guard Shai Gillgeous-Alexander. Is he a top 3 point guard at the moment? “I believe his impact this year is undeniable. He is this year’s MVP no question. I would still put him top 5 current however”, stated Christopher Miller. Many probably see Boston, Cleveland, Oklahoma City and Houston in their respective conference finals, but he sees another team possibly making a run. “I believe the Lakers will take the championship home. Lebron is having one of those years where he can steal one and adding Luka to the mix could get scary”, warned Christopher Miller. For many Nikola Jokic is the MVP and slowly people are saying that he is the best on earth. But not all follow that thinking as Lebron James still has a massive standing even at age 40. “As long as Lebron is still playing I would say no. He is a great player nonetheless. I can´t take away what he has done so far. He can´t get that title until he beats team USA I´m sorry”, added Christopher Miller. It will be interesting to see where Christopher Miller will play in his 11th professional season. How big of an option will Germany be this off season? “If I get the right offer in Germany I would take it no questions asked. Germany is a second home for me. I still have to make the best decisions for my career progression at the same time. This off season I will give Germany another try and we will see what happens”, warned Christopher Miller. I personally would love to see him back in Germany. Maybe he will finally get rewarded this time with a Pro B contract.

Jakob Hanzalek Always Believed In The EPG Guardians As Everybody Had This Special Energy In Karlsruhe

Pic credit: Angel King media

Jakob Hanzalek (188-PG-2003) is a 21 year old 188cm point guard that just completed the season with the EPG Guardians Koblenz. Last season he played with BG Hessing Leitershofen (ProB) averaging 7.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 21.2%, FT: 78.4%. In the 2022-2023 season he split time with SC Rist Wedel (ProB) and Arvato College Wizards Karlsruhe (ProB) averaging 7.9ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 21.4%, FT: 80.0%. He played the 2021-2022 season with Team Ehingen Urspring (ProA) averaging 5.1ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 28.9%, FT: 74.5%, played also at Team Urspring U19 team (NBBL) averaging 19.3ppg, 7.2rpg, 4.1apg, 2.8spg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 30.5%, FT: 64.9%. He began his career with the Ratiopharm youth program and also played Pro B with Orange Academy. He spoke to germanhoops.com at the end of the 2024-2025 season.

Thanks Jakob for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on the massive 91-73 win over PS Karlsruhe. How good is it to be able to say “The Guardians remain in the Pro A”?

It felt really good. A heavy load was lifted off our shoulders. We gave all we had in the last 2 games. There were a lot of emotions involved.

The team was 1-16 after the Trier loss. Was that the absolute down point of the season? Did you ever think that the team could win again?

I always believed in this team. I always felt that if we could play with heart and energy that we would win. Staying together also helped.

Did the team finally feel the sense of urgency to win after the Trier loss?

I think that we already felt it before the Trier loss, but it was perhaps raised a bit more after the Trier loss. We had no players meeting after the Trier game. I think that we as a team finally found ourselves in the last 2 weeks. We practiced hard and that translated into the games.

I can say that the EPG Guardians saved their best basketball for the last 2 games where it counted most. Why couldn´t the team play like this more often in the season?

I think that the team first found themselves in these last 2 games. It simply took time. Coach Berov did a great job in these last 2 weeks. He always believed in us. It was just a matter of time.

What was it like playing against Maurice Pluskota again? Do you feel like the team would have won 2-3 games more had he been on board from the start?

Yes I think so. He is a great player. But you never know. Maybe we wouldn´t have won more games. It was cool playing against him. We spent a lot of time together off the court. It was even nicer to win against him.

The Guardians led 55-33 at the break. The team played no hero ball, but great team basketball. How much fun was seeing and participating in great basketball?

It felt good on and of the court. You simply felt that everyone had that special energy. Every player had the goal to win this game. Everybody was playing so free and everything worked for us in the game.

How confident were going into the third quarter that there wouldn´t be a major let down?

We knew that PS Karlsruhe is a super team and knew that they could make a run, but I was very confident that if we could continue to stick to our game plan, that we would win.

In the second half the EPG Guardians Koblenz managed the lead well. How vital was it having only 7 turnovers? Usually when teams went on runs, it was because the Guardians produced many turnovers?

Having only 7 turnovers in the game was super important. Alex Bouzidi and Michael Bradley did a great job of controlling the game. They were calm and helped us have more possessions.

How key was William Lee for staying in the league? He began great, then had 4 really poor games and then 4 strong games including 34 points against Bochum

William was so important for us. I´m a team first guy and feel like every player gave something to the success. It doesn´t matter if you played 0 or 30 minutes, everyone is important. I truly believe that we wouldn´t have made it without him. He showed his best in the last 2 games at both ends of the court.

How was the celebration after the game? Was it calm or a little crazy?

I feel like everybody was emotional. It was a tough season, but there was a good atmosphere after. We felt free and the mood was good.

It wasn´t a great season for the EPG Guardians. What did you personally learn from the season?

I´m a young player and this season wasn´t normal. It was important that I could learn how a tough season can go as a young player. I learned you should never give up and even in bad times, you always need to continue to give your best. I took many positives from this season.

You played with a great player with Ty Cockfield. How closely did you study his game on the bench? What is the most important thing that you learn from him?

Ty is a super player. He has a very unique game with his incredible 1-1 qualities. He has the fastest first step in the league. I always tried to watch his moves in practice or from the bench. I wouldn´t hesitate to ask him how to make his moves.

What was it like being teammates with Dominique Johnson? Did some of his unbelievable energy rub off on you?

DJ was one of the most important puzzle pieces in the last 2 games. He showed how a real captain plays and leads a team. His experience was so important for us. It was so special to be able to play with him.

What could you learn from Leon Friderici? He is a player that could get hot at any time?

Leon and I play the same position. He gave me important tips on shooting the three pointer. He told me maybe to change my shot a bit. He plays with so much energy and always kept his heart on the court. I´m very thankful to have been able to share the court with him.

Who do you feel was the most improved player on the team this season?

Each guy made a step this season.

You averaged 2,6ppg in 12 minutes. How would you summarize your game?

I´m so thankful that the EPG Guardians gave me the opportunity this season and play at this level. I always tried to give my best. I worked on trying to change my game and worked a lot on my shot. I need to keep working on my ball handling. I´m happy how my season went.

Your minutes in 34 games looks like that of a G-League player with severe flucutations. How much of a challenge was it for you to always be ready?

That was a big challenge. But even if I didn´t play, I always knew that I would get a chance. I always asked myself why I didn´t play, so I then gave 100% in the next practice. I always tried to use my chance the next time.

You came from the bench and always tried to give the team good energy, manage the game, play aggressive defense and hit shots. What area of your game grew most this season?

I feel like my three pointer grew this season. I became a catch and shoot player. In the past, I wasn´t comfortable with my three pointer. I feel very relaxed taking the 3 now.

You had many solid games like scoring 10 points against Bremerhaven. What was your personal best game?

My best game was the last game. It was a huge game and wasn´t easy for me. I gave my best and helped the team.

Who was the toughest player that you played in the Pro A this season?

The 2 guards from Crailsheim Shahid and Goodman.

Thanks Jakob for the chat.

Chima Oduocha Is A Diamond In The Rough That Developed That Special Work Horse Mentality In JUCO 

Chima Oduocha (203-C-1998, college: Columbia, MO, agency: Promo Sport ID) is a 26 year old 203cm that has the American and Nigerian citzenship. This season he played with Pajarraco CB Santfeliuenc (Spain-Segunda FEB) averaging 4,9ppg and 6,4rpg. Last season he balled with Akranes IA (Iceland-Division I) averaging 9.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 2FGP: 61.9%, 3FGP: 66.7%, FT: 82.4%. He played his rookie season with ABC Santo Andre (Portugal-Proliga) averaging 13.5ppg, 9.7rpg, FGP: 56.6%, FT: 78.3%.He began his basketball career at James B. Conant High School. He then played at 2 JUCO schools with Harper College (JUCO) averaging 9.8ppg, 7.2rpg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 56.1% and at John Wood Community College (JUCO). He then played 2 seasons at Missouri University of Science and Tech (NCAA2) averaging 6.7ppg, 6.0rpg, FGP: 38.0%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 77.0% and 4.5ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 50.0%. He finished at Columbia College, MO (NAIA) averaging 14.6ppg, 7.5rpg, FGP: 59.4%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 72.3%

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

Thank you Miles for the interview. I’m currently in Chicago, which is located in the state of Illinois in the United States. But basketball life is treating me well, it’s the game I love so getting to do it at a high level is nothing but a blessing.

After playing a full rookie season, you haven´t played a full season the last 2 seasons. Are you suffering some growing pains as a player at the moment?

My career as a player has gone through its ups and downs, and I see this as part of my development. My rookie season gave me a lot of experience,and despite the last two seasons not being full ones. I’ve continued to improve my game, stay ready, and learn from every situation I was in. Whether it’s adjusting to different roles, or refining my skills, I’m focused on staying prepared and making an impact when I’m on the court. I know that my next opportunity is coming, and when it does, I’m going to make the most of it and show how much I’ve grown as a player and the impact I bring to a game.

You began this season with at Pajarraco CB Santfeliuenc (Spain-Segunda FEB) signing at the end of November. You averaged 4,9ppg and 6,4rpg in 21 minutes. What kind of experience were these 2 months. You only won 1 game out of 10. Did they expect more from you?

It was nice though the club was located just outside of downtown Barcelona. So there was a lot to do outside of basketball as well as, Barcelona has a very rich cultur. So it was exciting to dive into that as I was playing basketball for the club. But in terms of playing I expected more out of myself, I’m a double double guy and I want to go places to create a winning culture. The team ended up going bankrupt and they informed me they couldn’t afford to pay for my work visa so I had to come home, hence why I only played 2 months. It’s sad I wasn’t able to achieve what I know I’m capable of at this club, but I take it more as a learning experience. Experience I intend to use as a sort of chip on my shoulder, for wherever I land next.

Now your preparing for the March Madness Invitational Event. Is your season over now? A Danish team is looking at you. Are you focusing on getting the best possibly opportunity for next season or possibly finish elsewhere this season?

Yeah I’m really excited to attend the March Madness invitational, I see it as sort of a rebrand. I consider myself a “diamond in the rough” and the Handy agency has a way of discovering these types of players such as myself. I´m a underdog but I plan on waking a lot of people up soon. As far as my season I don’t believe it’s over; I would like to finish the season up elsewhere, help a team out in anyway I can. The Danish team that expressed interest is definitely something on my radar as well. I’m focused on finding the best possible opportunity to show people who I really am, which is a hard worker, a great teammate, and a dominant player.

Let´s talk about your game. Your listed as a 203cm center. You are a bit undersized but can score and get rebounds well. What is your biggest strength on the court?

Yeah playing the 4 / 5 positions at 6’8/ 6’9 I found different ways to impact the game outside just my low post scoring or my midrange game. I’m a huge rebounder, offensively and defensively. It’s one of my biggest strengths on the court. A double double is what I aim for every time I step on the court, because I know how much rebounding impacts winning. It’s considered dirty work but I enjoy doing the little things to help my team get that edge.

Are you merely a back to the basket and pick and role player? You hardly shoot the three. Is becoming more of a modern day player a goal?

I’m definitely more than a back to the basket player. I have a midrange game, as well as a mid post game. Haven’t been able to show my ability to shoot the three. But I work on it and have it, just haven’t had the confidence to shoot it as much. Definitely something I’m looking to utilize moving forward, as it’ll add more options to my game..

How would you describe your defensive game? You don´t stand out with steals or blocks in the stats. Do you do many things that the stat sheet don´t get?

I would use a couple of words to describe my defensive game and they would be positioning, effort, and awareness. I pride myself on staying in front of my man, and preventing them from scoring, cutting off driving lanes using my lateral quickness, and switching 1-5. I’m really good at team defense calling out screens and being active in the help, as well as contesting without fouling. I believe the steals and blocks will come, just a matter of timing and continuing to put myself in the right positions to do so.

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

I’ve really been working on shooting the three a lot. Really honing in on the mechanics and having proper follow through on my shots. Being a inside and outside threat is what I believe will make my game most lethal

Last season you balled with Akranes IA (Iceland-Division I) averaging 9.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 2FGP: 61.9%, 3FGP: 66.7%, FT: 82.4%. You were there for only a few months and had a few good games. Why was this stay so short?

I was there for a short time because the team ultimately decided to go in a different direction in terms of the player they wanted. No hard feelings with the club, I’m grateful for the opportunity they gave me in the little time I had.

You played your rookie season with ABC Santo Andre (Portugal-Proliga) averaging 13.5ppg, 9.7rpg, FGP: 56.6%, FT: 78.3%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

My rookie club I will always have love, I grew so much as a person there. My wake up call was when they closed the door at night and I heard nothing but silence outside. I’m from a big city so I wasn’t familiar with a peaceful life, there was always something going on in Chicago. But I thank Santo André for easing my nerves with that and really making me feel like I was a part of a family.

What memories do you have of the tough 3 games playoff series loss to Portimonense? You had a monster game of 24/17 in game 3 but lost 85-79?

Yeah those battles were fond memories I have of my journey, just heartbreaking how it ended. I actually hit the two free throws to send game 3 into overtime. But I fouled out at the start of overtime, and we ended up losing. I couldn’t end my rookie season with the championship, but it taught me a lot about myself and showed me that I belong in this game.

You played at 2 JUCO schools Harper College and John Wood Community College. Every player that I have interviewed that played JUCO have said that it was a very tough grind, but an experience that they wouldn´t have traded for the world- How was it for you?

Juco was so critical for my development I definitely wouldn’t trade it for the world either. I was a late bloomer, and juco was a opportunity to help me grow and develop. Juco helped me develop a workhorse mentality, nothing is given to you ; so you you have to work even harder to get noticed. Juco is a world where players often have something to prove, me being one of them. Juco basketball built my character. And rewarded me for being willing to outwork everyone. I embraced the grind and developed toughness and work ethic that translated to the next level-not just in basketball, but in life.

You were a NJCAA D2 District XVI Finalist in 2018 with John Wood Community College. What do you remember being so special with that team?

I think what was most special was the love we had for each other, we were a family. That kind of chemistry translated on the court as well. I still speak with some of those guys till this day.

What kind of an impact did Brad Hoyt have on you that season? How did he help you make the next step to the NCAA 2?

He was big in helping me understand what a university would need from you in terms of effort day in and out. He refined my skills and gave me key insights on the more technical side of the game.


You then played at Missouri University of Science and Tech (NCAA2) averaging 6.7ppg, 6.0rpg, FGP: 38.0%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 77.0% and 4.5ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 50.0%. Your minutes actually got cut down from 20 to 12 in your last season. What kind of a role did you have there?

My role as Missouri S&T was a rebounder hustle guy, I had good touch around the rim and great rebounding instincts but my role was limited on the team. A role I’m happy I experienced because it shaped how I play today. I know everytime I step on the court I got to give everything, and that’s a mentality I stayed with.

You then took a step back to play at Columbia College, MO (NAIA) averaging 14.6ppg, 7.5rpg, FGP: 59.4%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 72.3%. When looking back how important was it making this decision? How did your game grow there?

I don’t think NAIA is a step back, a lot of players from that level played D1 or move on to go play D1 or D2. It’s really underrated in terms of talent. But choosing to play at Columbia College was huge for my development. I went from being a hustle guy to the number 1 option. I had a team depending on me producing night in and out, and I didn’t take that lightly. Columbia helped with my confidence and expectations in the terms of output needed to impact winning; Columbia opened my eyes on what turns a good player to a great player. As an import at the pro level, a lot of these things I still use today.

You reached the AMC final. How tough was the 66-65 loss to MBU? Is that a game that you couldn´t forget so easily?

Yeah, that game was really tough. Our opponent MBU was the host so they were essentially playing a home game in a sold out arena. Definitely a game that was hard to forget and we lost on a buzzer beater. I sometimes reminisce about what could’ve been. But you learn and move on.

How did head coach Tomas Brock groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Brock prepared me mentally. He held me to a high standard, pushing me to stay locked in through adversity, fatigue, and pressure situations. He also taught me about professionalism-how to take care of my body, study film, and approach the game like a job. Really just changed my mindset, so I’m forever grateful to him for that.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Mitch Fairless?

Funny part is Mitch never wanted to play 1 on 1 against me, I was a hard person to guard my teammates have always told me.

Who the toughest player you battled that reached the NBA?

Toughest person I’ve battled was honestly a couple people, both Alex Stein as well as Brodic Thomas. Broderick playing for the Boston Celtics and Alex playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers as well as their G League affiliate.

Who are your 5 best teammates of all-time?

I would say Aziz Fadika (Juco), Troy Burrows (Juco), Keith Carter (Pro liga MVP), Tyler Henry (Spain), and Kevin Legardy ( College)

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Alright in no order

LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Micheal Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, and Magic Johnson

Who is your Goat?

I know I’m going to get a lot of hate for this but LeBron is my GOAT. Just what he’s been able to do for the game and for this long, we’ll never see anyone like that again. I know the old heads don’t want to hear that though ??

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

Actually I haven’t seen the sequel, but that’s because I think they should have left it alone. The movie ended just fine, but now I might check it out if you recommend it. I love coming to America.

Thanks Chima for the chat.

Eddie Colbert Knows That In Order To Win The Luxemburg Title They Will Have To Lock In On the Defensive End And Rebound Better

Eddie Colbert III (198-F, college: Charleston) is a 198cm forward from Ohio playing his rookie season with T71 Dudelange (Luxembourg-LBBL) averaging 28,8ppg, 8,5rpg,1,7apg and 1,3spg.He began his basketball career with Whitmer High School and then played at the University of Charleston (NCAA’) from 2019-2024. He played a total of 140 games and as a senior averaged 17.8ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 67.0%, 3PT: 37.4%, FT: 85.4%. He spoke to germanhoops.com during the final series against Etzella.

Your playing your first season with T71 Dudelange  (Luxembourg-LBBL). You just led your team to the final. How big was the win coming back from 1-0 down?

It was very big; our backs were against the wall, and we knew we were the better team. We just needed to play with confidence and carefree. We couldn’t shutdown now, we didn’t come this far just to come this far. We came out and wanted it more the last 2 games.

You had 2 big games in the first 2 games, but stepped it up in game 3. Did you just feel the need to decide the series with your play?

Absolutely, if we were going to win game 3 on the road in a crazy fun atmosphere I had to show up and lead my team to victory. They knew I could do this all year and had amazing confidence in me. I put in work over the summer and even more during my time here, since day 1 to now I can feel I am a better player. The work you put in is what you get out of the game.

You scored 41 and 40 points already this season and in game 3 43 points. Was that the most points that you have ever scored in your career?

Yes, for sure, I’ve been stuck in the 30s since high school and it was nice to break my career high in my first pro game.

How quickly did you know into the game that you would have another great scoring game?

It’s just confidence for me, I know I am a good scorer and I work on it every day so it’s just a confidence thing for me.

You shot the ball very well. Were you happy with your game or could you have been even more aggressive?

Yeah, I am happy, but you always know after what you could’ve did better and for me it was me turning the ball over multiple times towards the end of the game.

You had 4 steals but 6 turnovers. Did the 6 turnovers lessen the wroth of your achievement a bit?

For sure I wish I could get all 6 opportunities back because that’s just less shot attempt and could’ve cost us the game.

Even after a great scoring game like that, do you go back and study the 6 turnovers extra on film?

Of course, I watch film many times a week to prepare for upcoming games and to watch myself and the team to see what we could’ve done better and how to fix it.

Did you have to get donuts after your performance or will you do that after you earn the chip?

We will see after this series is over.

You are playing your rookie season in Luxemburg. What kind of an experience has it been? What have you enjoyed most about the experience?

It has been an amazing experience it is a peaceful and delightful country. I’ve had some great food how here. The people are very kind and nice. I have enjoyed all of it, it was a big blessing to come to this exciting place.

How cool is it living in a small country where you can quickly be in other countries like France and Germany to check out other basketball leagues. Did you explore other countries due to the proxcimity?

No, I have not because of what I have going on over here but that is one thing I wish I could have done. It would have been nice to visit those other counties since they are very close.

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

The time change was definitely the biggest wake up call. For me it is 6 hours but then I adjusted over time after a few months. It wasn’t easy at first, but you have to get your sleep as a pro athlete/

What has it been like being teammates with Denell Stephens? Has he been like a mentor for you?

He’s been great, he isn’t the most vocal, but he leads by his play. You see him playing with maximum effort, he makes you want to raise your level up to match his. I do appreciate him, he definitely showed me how to play with more energy.

T71 made it into the final to battle top team Etzella. T71 was in third place when the regular season ended. Did the team pick up it’s game a notch more in the first 2 rounds of the playoffs.

Yes, we are still coming together as a team, and everybody had to pick up their play including me due to the loss of our Point Guard Brandon.

You lost both games to Etzella in the regular season and you had huge games. What will be key to beating them and getting the dub?

We have to lock in on the defensive side and rebound better. The team that does that the whole series will win and I got a lot of confidence in my team.

Thanks Edie for the chat.