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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.

Sebastian Brach´s Relentless Work On Shooting Last Summer And Increased Self-Confidence Has Rewarded Him Shooting Above 40% From Outside

Pic credit: Nils Althoff

Sebastian Brach (190-PG-2002) is a 22 year old 190cm point guard that is playing his second season with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen. He began his career in the Giessen 46ers organization playing NBBL and Pro B. He had bis break out year in the pro B with the Ebbecke White Wings Hanau averaging 11.4ppg, 5.7rpg, 4.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 79.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com during the playoff series against the Dragons Rhondorf.

Thanks Sebastian for talking to germanhoops.com Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 190cm point guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA or Euroleague player who would best fit the description?

I think a good comparison would be Elle Okobo, a player that plays the 1-2, has a good outside shot and mid range game.

You’re a player that can fill the stat sheet at ease. What do you believe is your biggest strength on the court? You are a guy that always try to bring the team what it needs?

Yes I always try to give the team what it exactly needs at that moment. If it means getting a defensive stop or three pointer. I think that I have improved my defense this season and my three is falling better than last season.

You have made a big jump in your game averaging 6 minutes and 4 points more. Have you gotten more trust from the coaching staff?

I don´t think that it has been trust, but moreover just playing my game and not thinking so much on the court. The offensive systems are a bit different this season and my play has helped me gain more trust.

Your also shooting above 40% for the first time in your career? What has changed in your shooting that has given you success?

I worked a lot last summer on my shot with my old coach. My shot feels better this season which helped increase my self-confidence that helped me make more shots.

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

I want to become a more aggressive full court defender making more pressure. I have to improve my footwork. I think that I improved in my half-court defense and getting around screens.

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

I always want to work on my shot as well as developing a spin move.

Last season you were teammates with Trey Mcbride and Quadre Lollis. Did they tell any cool stories about their well known brother and father?

Quadre didn´t talk so much about his dad while Trey talked a bit more about his brother.

You had your break out season in 22-23 with the Ebbecke White Wings Hanau (ProB) averaging 11.4ppg, 5.7rpg, 4.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 79.6%. How vital was that season playing for Marti Zamora-Mas for the development of your game?

That season was so important for my development as a player. Coach Marti helped me so much and gave me so much self-confidence. I had a good role on the team. I was able to establish myself in the Pro B. It opened a lot of doors for me. That season was good, fun and helpful.

What was it like being teammates with Bruno Albrecht? How important was he for your game? You were efficient despite him having the ball in his hands so often.

I didn´t take as many shots there, but having Bruno as that scorer helped my assists rate. His scoring helped my game a lot.

You began your career in Giessen. What do you remember from those young years? You had a very good season in the NBBL averaging 17.3ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.0apg, 2.5spg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 73.7% in a tough division with Munich, IBAM and Ludwigsburg.

I was the goto guy and also had a lot of trust from the coach. My drive was good and my three point shot as well. This was another season where my self-confidence was present.

What was it like playing with a legend like Joe Lischka? Your nicest memory with him?

He was always consistent on the court. He carried the team and you could always rely on him.

Tim Koepple was also your teammate. He is a high energy player that is always in attack mode. Did that trickle off on you or did that trickle down from you on him?

Tim was a good guy and I also learned a lot from him. His calmness and focus on the three helped me a lot.

You had many fine games in the Pro B with Giessen. What was your fondest moment on the court there?

I scored 29 against Sandersdorf and 30 points against Iserlohn, but my favorite games was beating the RheinStars twice in a season as well as winning at Koblenz.

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced on a court that reached the NBA?

I played against Franz Wagner in the U-12 and also played against Len Schoormann and Ariel Hukporti.

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

Lebron, Jordan, Kobe, Steph Curry

Mike James, Nick Calathes, Vassilis Spanoulis, Aleksandar Vesenkov

Dirk Nowitzki, Dennis Schroeder, Franz Wagner, Detlev Schrempf

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James

Thanks Sebastian for the chat

Maxwell Dongo Commences On A 4 Month Journey To China And It Looks Like He Will Chose Computer Science Over Basketball In The Future

Maxwell Dongmo (196-PF-2003) is a 21 year old 196cm guard played his second season with TSV Oberhaching Tropics Deisenhofen (ProB) averaging 11,6ppg, 6.9rpg, 1,1apg, and 1,3bpg. Last season with TSV Oberhaching Tropics Deisenhofen (ProB), he averaged 10.9ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 52.6%. He began his basketball career with FC Bayern Munich where he played for their youth teams and farm team FC Bayern Munich 2 (Pro B). He spoke to germanhoops.com in Feb 2025 about basketball.

Thanks Maxwell for talking to germanhoops.com. A new adventure in Asia is approaching. What will you do there and will you be able to play basketball?

I could practice with a few teams, but to play games will be tough with getting a license in the short time of 4 months when I will be there. My first priority is my studies computer science. I will be in Peking. I might join the university team.

Your now in your second season with the TSV Oberhaching Tropics Deisenhofen (ProB). What have you enjoyed most about the experience?

The main reason I came to the Tropics was that I was able to combine my studies and play basketball. That was a big benefit especially since I can play at a high level still.

Your only 21, but played with the FC Bayern Munich youth. Are the Tropics just a stopover to get to higher leagues?

That is a good question. I think about that a lot. On one hand I can see myself giving gas for the pro career, but on the other hand I can see myself concentrating on my masters and focusing on my job career. At the moment I´m leaning towards concentrating on computer science.

The team have a very special team chemistry. How quickly did you notice upon arriving in 2023 that this is a very special team?

It is all so family like which I like. There is a big difference between the young and older guys. You learn a lot form the older guys. They are all so cool and have so much experience. They are very open and fun to be around off the court.

The last weeks haven´t been easy as there were many sicknesses, but still the team stayed together and won games. What is this team´s biggest strength?

I think that the biggest thing is the experience. We have learned to win tough games despite having adversary. Guys like Know, Koegler and Zeis have a lot of experience. We know how to be successful with short rotations, because we are used to it. We always prepare like that. We are never surprised if we may get down fast, but just stay competitive the whole time. We always believe that we will have a chance even with a 6-7 man rotation.

It is a tight fight for the playoffs as from 5-11, only one win is the difference. The goal is the playoffs, but does this team have title mentality?

We want to win each game. Even when teams underestimate us, we show that we can stick with anyone. We know that winning the title will be difficult, but even with a title moving up will be hard because of all the red tape. We want to reach the playoffs and then get as far as possible.

Let´s talk a little about your teammates. How special is Omari Knox? Is he like a mentor for you? He is 38 and still playing at a high level.

Yes he is, but moreover is an inspiration for me. The great thing about Omari is despite playing at a high level, he does it at both ends. He is a great offensive player, but will still play good defense and keep his guy in front of him. Age has nothing to do with how good he still is.

He has said for years each season is his last. Do you think he will retire after this season?

I´m not sure. Everybody already thought last season that he would retire. I would never say no.

What is it like playing with Janosch Kogler? Is he the ultimate teammate?

Whenever there are tough times on the court, he always brings us up. He is the first guy to motivate you. He always fights to the end. He is a great offensive player. He also has a knack of being able to get points in tough situations.

Fynn Fischer is a player that played in the BBL and Pro B, but has accepted having a Pro B career now. How special is he as a teammate for you?

It is so easy to play with him. Last season, he was at times our best shooter. He spreads the floor so well, but can also be a presence inside. It is a real pleasure to paly with him.

Another real experienced player is Peter Zeis. He is a school teacher. What has he taught you about life?

He taught me that you need to enjoy life and not always take everything so serious.

How important has head coach Mario Matic been for your career in Oberaching. How has your game grown since leaving Munich?

Mario helped me gain a lot of self-confidence when I arrived. I didn´t have that before. He let me play my game and believed in my game.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 196cm player. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would bets fit the description?

Charles Barkley who was an undersized big man.

You’re a great defensive player but have showed your offensive game with the Tropics. What is your biggest strength on the court?

My aggressiveness on offense and defense. I´m a good offensive rebounder and a defensive presence.

Your three pointer is still a work in progress. Talk a little about how you go about most to reaching the next level as a shooter?

I think that the more repetitions that you take the more self confidence that you get. I also think that you always have to put up shots at a consistent basis and never hesitate but just shoot.

I have heard the compliment that you’re the best defender in the Pro B. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I feel that at the moment I have let up a bit. I have to find my old shape and athleticism again. I want my fitness again.

On what areas of your game are you working on most so you can continue to climb the basketball ladder?

I want to become a better on ball defender and be more active.

You began your career with FC Bayern Munich. What kind of an experience was it? How challenging was it?

I arrived when I was 14. I had only played 1-2 years. I was nowhere near the level of the other kids. It was a big challenge competing with talented kids and reaching their level.

The youth teams always has the best young players. How difficult was it to work hard and develop as a player while fighting for the most minutes possible?

I just gave my all in practice. The coaches helped me a lot. I always had the opportunity to practice and took the chance to work a lot on my game. I was able to develop and improve and earn minutes.

Andreas Wagner, Moris Hadzija uad Paolo Prestes were massive in your development. Talk a little how each guy helped you most?

Andreas was the reason that I played Pro B. I wasn´t supposed to play Pro B, but then I got the word that I could. I also was lucky that Mo Silah got injured which helped me increase my minutes. I showed that I could play at that level. Andreas gave me a lot of self-confidence that I could play at that level. Moris always told me to stay hungry, win each game, give 100% and never give up. Paulo is responsible for me being the offensive player that I am today. He helped me gain certain moves.

Corona halted the development of young players everywhere. But you had an advantage playing Pro B. That opportunity was huge, but despite not playing as much NBBL as possible, could you have become a different player today?

That is a good question. I had more offensive responsibility in the NBBL. Playing Pro B helped my game a lot. I think that if I had also been able to play NBBL during Corona then my game may be at a higher level today.

You reached the 2022 NBBL top 4. How tough was the loss to Vechta? Did that take long to digest?

That was my last NBBL year. It was my last chance to win. I really felt like we had the team to win it all that year. Not reaching the final was very frustrating.

Would Munich have won with a healthy Ivan Kharchenkov?

That is hard to say. We had to have won the title with the roster that we had. Vechta simply played better than we did. They won fair and square.

What was the coolest moment you had off the court? Did you meat any famous basketball or soccer players over the years?

I remember seeing Miro Klose a lot. He would be at the training facility. I also had car pools with the youth soccer players. It was cool to hear about their experiences. I really enjoyed my time with the JBBL team. We won the title. I will always remember the great times with my teammates and going on trips to tournaments in Barcelona and Prague. We would all chill in 1 hotel room- It was great times. We all understood each other so well.

What dreams do you still have with basketball?

My dream is to be a pro player. However I have the dilemma of how far can I go and will it be worth it? Your pro career ends sometime and the question then is what do I do next?

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

Vladimir Lucic when I practiced with the BBL team. Just when you thought you defended well, he still was able to score. That was frustrating.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Michael Rataj, Tristan Da Silva, Omari Knox, Erol Ersek, Matej Rudan

Please name your NBA, Euro and German Mount Rushmore?

Jordan, Lebron, Kobe, Russell Westbrook

Jokic, Doncic, Wemby, Tony Parker

Dirk Nowitzki, Detlef Schrempf, Dennis Schroeder, Franz Wagner

Who is your GOAT

Michael Jordan.

Thanks Maxwell for the chat.

Michael Bradley(EPG Guardians Koblenz) Wants To Experience That Bochum Feeling Again In Karlsruhe Next Weekend

Pic credit: Angel King Media

Michael Bradley (185-PG-2000, college: NKU) is a 185cm point guard that was born in San Antonio, Texas and is playing his rookie season with the EPG Guardians Koblenz. He began his basketball career at Cornerstone Christian Academy and then played at Naval Academy Prep School. He then played at Mercyhurst University (NCAA2) from 2019-2023 playing a total of 101 games and improved his scoring average each season and in his last season averaged 14.9ppg, 3.8rpg, 4.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 53.0%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 86.3%. He added a season at Northern Kentucky University (NCAA) averaging 10.2ppg, 2.4rpg, 4.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 37.9%, FT: 82.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the massive 102-85 win in Bochum.

Congrats Michael on the huge 102-85 win in Bochum. Was this the biggest win of the season?

I wouldn´t say that it was necessarily our biggest, but we really needed the win. It felt really good to put together a whole game. We showed a lot of resilience and showed that we can compete with anyone.

How tough were the last months? The team was 1-15 in 2025. Did you ever feel like the team lost faith in being able to win again this season?

I don´t think that we lost faith totally, but we had rough phases where the mind went crazy. We just had to stay positive and stick together. We are a close team no matter what the results say.

The only bad news is that Artland also won. Is that win maybe a blessing in disguise to keep the Guardians on their toes going into the last game?

It is, but we just want to win the last game and close the season on a positive note. The focus is on us.

With what kind of a mind set did you to Bochum after the tough lost at home against Trier. Was it more than just that we have nothing to lose mentality?

We had nothing to lose. We just had to focus on what we needed to do and execute and not lose faith. Many guys stepped up and had big games.

How pumped were the Guardians going in wanting revenge for the loss against Bochum in the first game?

We were very pumped. We thought about that first loss. It was our season debut at home and it is never easy losing a game like that.

What kind of a feeling did you have after William Lee made his first basket? Did you think that he would explode for just a great game?

Of course I thought he would have a big game. We always tell him when he gets to his spots, he has to take them. You see what he can do on the floor when he plays with confidence. He is always bound to have a big game. He is amazing to watch.

He began well against Vechta and then had some so so games and now this. How do you explain his up and down play?

I think with Will it is all about putting him in the right position. When that happens, then he can get the kinds of looks he needs. We never lost faith in him. He can always impact the game not only with his scoring.

How much did the 2 three´s late in the first quarter by Matt Strange hurt? But defensively you couldn´t stop the drive so well?

He is one of their main shooters and we had to make it more difficult and slow him down more. We packed the paint better after that first quarter giving them more difficult looks as the game went on.

The Guardians had the solid 51-45 lead at the break as Cockfield and Lee carried the team. But Bochum´s Tamenang Choh was a menace. What was so difficult in stopping him?

We just weren´t aggressive. We had to buckle down and get stops so we could get out on transition.

How key was the early 11-2 run in the third quarter with 2 three´s by Lee. Was that the starting stepping stone of getting the comfortable lead?

That for sure was the case. In past games we hadn´t done a good job starting strong in the second half. We had to attack the way we started the game. I think that we did a great job staying poised and not giving up any more runs.

The Guardians had the comfortable 78-61 advantage after 3 quarters. Alexandre Bouzidi added 5 points. How huge was the overall contribution from so many guys on offense?

It was huge. It was so much fun moving the ball well and not forcing up shots. When guys got open looks, they took them. When we play like that then we are very hard to beat.

How proud are you of the team that you finished strong? So often in this season, the Guardians have let up in the second half to lose?

It brought a lot of happiness. We stayed together and kept going strong in the second half. That showed a lot of maturity and growth.

Leon Friderici scored the 100th points. Did he get donuts?

He did not. I will have to remind him.

What was the biggest strength of the team? Perhaps keeping Bochum to only 33% from outside as a team?

We wanted to run them off the three point line. Even if we did give up a lot of points in the paint, we were aggressive on the three point line and limited them and had our hands up. We capitalized on their misses and got out on transition with the long rebounds.

You have a do or die game against Ps Karlsruhe and Artland plays against the door mat Vechta. What will be key to beating PS Karlsruhe?

We will go in with the same approach as against Bochum. We will focus on us and go in and do all we can to win. We want to have that great feeling again that we had in Bochum. We will be ready and play our best.

You had 6 points and 10 assists. Your 10 assists was a career high. How good did the 10 assists feel plus no turnovers?

It´s always cool to have a game like that and 0 turnovers. I really take pride in getting assists. I like to get guys going with assists. I know that I can impact the game by getting my teammates involved. I just want my teammates to succeed by putting them in the right position.

You were more of a scorer in the first half of the season. Have you concentrated more on being a playmaker in the second half of the season?

Playmaking has been a key focus, but I just do what the game gives me. The season has been up and down and you need to adjust to the Euro game. I just try to find the perfect balance and that comes with growth and maturity.

Ty Cockfield said that he will have his best game against PS Karlsruhe. Will you follow him and do the best?

Of course I will have a big game. I will be locked in like the rest of my teammates.

What is your favorite childhood easter memory and how did you celebrate on Sunday in Germany?

Just spending time with my family having a big buffet full of food and then huningt for easter eggs. I spent Easter today watching the RheinStars lose to Bernau.

Who will reach the NBA final and who will win it?

I see Boston playing Oklahoma and Boston winning.

Thanks Michael for the chat.

Timo Lanmueller (Frankfurt Skyliners) Continues To Grind Searching For That BBL Breakthrough

pic credit: Austria Basketball Federation:

While the Americans Malik Parsons and Trey Calvin were doing serious damage in an early pre season test game against Scottish team Caledonia Gladiators, there were enough other German players on the Fraport Skyliners trying to shine and get seriously recognized by Denis Wucherer. Ok so veteran German players like Christoph Philipps, Garai Zeeb and Lorenz Brenneke will get their share of minutes, but what about other Germans like Timo Lanmueller (193-SG-2001) and Bruno Albrecht? Ok so Bruno Albrecht has no BBL experience and his journey for minutes will be very difficult, but what about Timo Lanmueller? He already played first BBL minutes as a teenager with ratiopharm Ulm and last season played his first full BBL season with the Tuebingen Tigers. He didn’t play too many minutes against the Gladiators, but hit a trey and played aggressive defense. Those 2 components are his game, but will he slip into Wucherer’s rotation this season? He is 23 years old and could 3 be a charm this season with the Frankfurt Skyliners after not breaking through in Ulm and Tuerbingen? ‘I feel like I still have a lot of potential that I still haven’t yet showed. I have a season of BBL play under my belt. I was able to learn many things and see what works and what doesn’t. It is all a learning process. I’m sure that I can play better than last season. My desire is big for this season. I want to do all I can to help the Skyliners achieve their season goals’, stressed Timo Lanmueller. Unfortunately 3 wasn’t a charm this season as he has played only 14 games averaging 2,4ppg in 10,4 minutes per game. He played most of his games in the first 3 months of the seasons and only 3 games in the last 2 months, but was efficient against FC Bayern Munich and ratiopharm Ulm scoring 6 points a piece. All he can do is to just continue to grind searching for the BBL breakthrough.

Timo Lanmueller who lists Munich sniper Andi Obst as his toughest cover ever as he is hard to defend and you can never leave him alone was born on March 17th, 2001 and has the Austrian-German citizenship. He began his basketball career in Austria with the Vienna Flames and joined the ratiopharm Ulm system at age 15. He was there for parts of 6 seasons and saw everything on the floor from the youth teams right up to the pro teams Orange academy and making his debut with easyCredit BBL team ratiopharm Ulm. Of course it didn’t hurt that he was challenged every season by top young players like Jason George, Zach Ensminger and Nicolas Bretzel to just name a few. I remember David Kramer telling me 8 years ago that he would reach the NBA. Ok so it wasn’t quite enough to get there, but he still was crowned world champion with Germany in 2023. Kramer was never shy of self-confidence. ‘Ulm was very important in my early development. The fact that they have great coaches and players was a plus. I’m so thankful that they took a chance on a kid from Vienna. Danny Jansson and Anton Gavel were key in my development. I think that David Kramer had the biggest impact on me. When I was 15 or 16, I looked up the most to him. He was from Austria like men. We had a very good connection right from the start’, remembered Timo Lanmueller. During his early years, he was invited to play with Germany at the highly respected Albert Schweitzer tournament in Mannheim (11.8ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.8apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 42.9%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 78.6%) and help win it together with rising NBA player Franz Wagner. He will always have those stories for his grand parents one day. ‘Franz had always been an unbelievable talent. He grew very late. I remember in the U-16 he was like 195cm and then in the U-18 was 205cm. He just continued to develop really well with Alba Berlin and at Michigan. I’m really happy he has done so well winning the world championships and playing well in the NBA’, stated Timo Lanmueller. Just like for many other players, Covid did derail his development a bit as he played less games, but that gave him the chance to work harder and longer in the gym. In the 20-21 season, he was rewarded by playing 2 easyCredit BBL games. He also had the pleasure of being teammates with Ulm’s identity figure Per Guenther and will never forget him. ‘What I will always remember from him most is that he always wanted to have fun and not be that serious captain. It was always important for him to have fun and enjoy the game. He was an unbelievable leader. It was a cool experience being able to play with him’, commented Timo Lanmueller.

The sniper who lists Per Guenther, Andi Obst, Franz Wagner, Rasid Mahalbasic, and Jakob Poelti as his 5 best teammates of all-time then made a change in mid season joining the Tigers Tuebingen in December 2020. As Covid was in full swing, he was able to take advantage of tough times and rapidly find a role with the Tigers as he played 21 games averaging 8.9ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 39.8%, FT: 85.2%. He scored in double figures 11 times including 19 points against Kirchheim and 17 points against Rostock. In his 4 years there, he gained about as much experience as a young player can seeing 2 different leagues as he played 100 Pro A games and 30 easyCredit BBL games. A man who was very vital for him being able to get the valuable minutes needed to develop further was rising coach Danny Jansson. He had already had him as coach with Orange Academy. ‘He coached me the last 6 years and was a very important coach in my career. The most important thing that I learned from him was to defend. I remember that in the JBBL (U-16), I wasn’t known as a defender. He told me if you want to play, you need to defend. I wanted a spot so I defended. I improved week by week. I’m thankful for all his defensive drills that helped my game’, expressed Timo Lanmueller. In his last 2 Pro A years, he continued to be a key role player with his shooting and defense averaging 6.8ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 84.9% and 7.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 59.0%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 72.0%. In those 2 years he scored in double figures 17 times including 19 points against Kirchheim and 18 points against PS Karlsruhe. He not only benefited from the great Jansson, but also from teammates like Zac Seljaas and the ultra veteran Till Joscha-Joenke. ‘Zac was a role model for me. He is a very competitive player that always gave 100% and wanted to win. He is a strong rebounder and hits his shots. I learned how to move better off ball and how to prepare my shot better from him. I spent a lot of time off the court with Till. He taught me how to be professional. He also taught me how to be more competitive and win games. He helped me develop the right kind of mind set. He was a very good mentor for me. He is a very good friend of mine’, added Timo Lanmueller. In his last season, he played in the BBL and did what he could in 14 minutes per game averaging 2.7ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.4apg. He didn’t get many shots, but added experience to help him make the next step with Frankfurt this season. ‘In the BBL, I learned to take my shots quicker. You don’t have as much time as in the Pro A. The looks are also different in the BBL. I also leaned that you have to hit shots more consistently. You don’t have as much time around screens. You have to have patience to get good looks. I learned also to become more intelligent and know when to attack and how to create advantages for me’, warned Timo Lanmueller.

The guard who names Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Steph Curry, and Kareem Abdul Jabbar on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore understood it was time for a change and joined the Frankfurt Skyliners. There were many attractions for him. One was how coach Wucherer coached, but being able to be teammates with guys from the past also helped. ‘Wucherer is a coach that likes to have competitive players that like to defend and play intelligent. My role will be to bring positive energy, play physical defense and hit my three’s consistently’, said Timo Lanmueller. He followed the very exciting Trier series last season and was really impressed with Wucherer’s defensive philosophy. ‘I noticed that Wucherer likes his team to defend. You can’t hit 50% from outside every game. Some days you don’t hit everything and you have to win games with that fighting mentality on the defensive end. I can identify easily with his philosophy and believe I will fit in well’, stressed Timo Lanmueller. It may be 6 years ago since he won the AST, but he still has sweet memories playing with Bruno Vrcic and Lorenz Brenneke and like I believe that nothing can rattle Brenneke on the court. ‘Yes he is fearless. He already showed his potential back in 2018 at the AST and developed well the last years in Frankfurt. He also still has much potential. I’m happy to be his teammate again’, added Timo Lanmueller. After getting early experience with German youth national teams, he decided to put on the jersey for Austria and has been part of the national team since 2022. ‘I think that Austrian basketball developed further in the last years. Our U-18 reached 4th place in the B division. We have young guys playing in Germany, Spain and Italy. We aren’t still yet where we want to be, but we are working hard and want to make a push forward. Our ultimate goal is to reach a European championship or World championship’, stated Timo Lanmueller. At the 2023 FIBA Eurobasket 2025 Pre-Qualifiers, he played 11 games averaging 21 minutes and 7.5ppg, 1.6rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 59.3%. He is on his way of possible becoming an impact player there. ‘I think that I have a good chance. I showed in the last windows that I can get between 15-20 minutes. I want to build on that. I want to help the team win games as best as possible’, commented Timo Lanmueller.

Timo Lanmueller who names Jordan as his GOAT watches a lot of Euroleague and would compare his game to guys like Sergio Lull or Kyle Guy. One could classify him as that typical 3 and D player, but he has so many more strong attributes that allows him to sparkle on the court. ‘I have a good IQ. I also think that I’m a good pick and roll player. I wasn’t able to show it as much last season, but did as a youth’, said Timo Lanmueller. If the Fraport Skyliners want to be able to be competitive again this season in the easyCredit BBL, then they will have to play good and hard defense something they did consistently last season in the Pro A. The young German is prepared to give his best and will also continue to grind in the lab so he can become exactly the kind of defender that he wants to become. ‘I like to play aggressive and take away other players strength. I want to develop my athleticism even more in the next years and also be more explosive physically so I can become a good BBL defender’, warned Timo Lanmueller. But it isn’t only on defense where he will continue to grind in the gym, but also on becoming an even more lethal offensive player. ‘ I’m working a lot on my catch and shoot as well as off the dribble and off the pick and roll’, stressed Timo Lanmueller. It will be interesting to see if Timo Lanmueller gets another chance next season with the Skyliners or not? It looks more like he will continue to grind and most likely find a new challenge elsewhere.

It Was Adrian Breitlauch´s Childhood Dream Since Age 13 To Play With The Eisaberen Bremerhaven As His Game Is Aging Like Fine Wine

Foto credit: Dennis Green

Adrian Breitlauch (193-SG-1993) is a 31 year old 193cm guard playing his 7th season with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. He played 3 years in the easyCredit BBL with Bremerhaven. He also balled 2 seasons with the Artland Dragons and 4 years with the Itzehoe Eagles. He also had experience with TK Hannover and BSG Bermerhaven. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Adrian for talking to germanhoops.com. You got a contract extension and will play your 8th season with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. Is Bremerhaven your second home?

Yes it is. It is my home. I was born in Bremen, but lived in Bremerhaven since I was 5 years old. I have so many friends here. I´m so thrilled that I can play more years with this club.

What makes this organization so perfect? What have you learned to appreciate most about the organization?

I remind myself all the time just how thankful I am to play for the Eisbaeren. It was my childhood dream since I was 13 to play for this club. The club grew some more this season. It is very family oriented and everyone understands the other.

You played 3 BBL seasons with them and then the rest in the Pro A. Was the easyCredit BBL never a serious ambition after the 3 years?

I never wanted to leave the Eisbaeren even when we moved down to the Pro A. I wanted to stay faithful to them. My 2 years with the Artland Dragons were very important because I was able to study on the side which will help me prepare for life after my playing career.

Let´s talk a little about your game. If you had to compare your game to a NBA or Euroleague player who would best fit the description?

I´m a role player that has a good shot, but at the same time plays smart. I have always been a player that can give an impact on the game without having the ball much in his hands. I´m like a 3 and D player with IQ.

Your playing your least minutes this season since 2018-2019. Your playing 3-4 minutes less, but your stats are better. It seems like your game is aging like fine wine. Are you getting better with age?

I hope so. I hope that trend will continue in the next years. I think my game fits well to Esterkamp´s system. A goal for the team this season was that every player gets around 20 minutes per game. Less minutes but more gas.

What exactly is your role on the team? Are you like a glue guy?

I´m the captain and team dad because I´m the oldest. I bring a lot of experience and am a good role model for the younger players.

Your shooting your best ever from outside at 44%. Have you changed anything up with your shooting technique?

I think that our system allows me to take good shots. I think working on my body this past season has helped me. I think that when the body feels it helps you most to be consistent with your game.

Your only 31 years old. On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?

I try to work on my strengths. I work on my shooting, rebounding and IQ. I think that my game just fits well into Esterkamp´s system. I want to be the best role player possible.

You played last season with Nick Hornsby. How great of a player is he? Do they come anymore versatile than him?

I think that Nick is the definition of the Swiss army knife. He is one of my favorite players that I have played with. Every team would love to have him. I would love to be his teammate again.

Your playing your second time with Daniel Norl. How has he improved his game in the last 2 years?

He brought more experience this season and knows the German leagues. He is creative and can score in many ways. I feel like with experience, he has become more versatile. He also has become a better facilitator- He is a vital puzzle piece to our success.

You played 2 seasons with the Artland Dragons. What kind of an experience were those 2 years? What was your fondest moment there?

My fondest moment was that we made the playoffs in my first season. My second year wasn´t as great as I was out for a long time. I was an assistant coach with Patrick Flomo and even was head coach for one game.

You were teammates with legend Chase Griffin. Who would win a 3 point shooting contest you or him?

I think he would go 9/10 and I would go 10/10.

You were also teammates with Zac Ensminger. How much potential does he have? I guess you can´t have a better mentor than dad Chris?

He has a great mentor with his dad, but he showed that he isn´t just the son, but Zac the player. I´m following his season in Finland with much interest. I think that he will play many more years in the BBL.

You played 83 BBL games with Bremerhaven. What was your personal favorite game?

My favorite game was the overtime win over Oldenburg in Bremen in front of 8,000 fans. It was one of my first BBL games and then to play against my childhood idol Rickey Paulding was amazing.

What was it like playing for Sebastian Machowski. What did you learn most from his coaching philosophy?

I will be forever be grateful to him, because he gave me my chance to play in the BBL. He put me in cold water and just let me play. He liked my hustle. He told me to always work on my drive and left hand.

You were teammates with a young Dominique Johnson. Is there a more energetic and tough player than him right now in the Pro A?

He is at the top. He is a friend of mine. He is a leader that every team needs.

What was it like being teammates with Elston Turner? Did he tell any NBA stories about his dad?

He was a great guy. He was a very creative 1-1 player. He was a super guy off the court, but didn´t tell many stories. He always put guys on an island. I have a super positive memory of him.

What memories do you have of Darnell Jackson? Did he tell any Lebron James stories?

He was also a cool guy. I still have contact to him. He lived in Bremerhaven with his family. He told some Lebron stories, but that I don´t want to tell.

You played with the Itzehoe Eagles from 2012-2016. How vital were these early years in your basketball development

I always went to places where I know I could get decent minutes. I got a lot of minutes in the Regionalliga and in the Pro B. The important thing is that I got the chance to play. I would of never gotten the opportunity with Bremerhaven if I hadn´t been with Itzehoe.

How special was that last season playing for Pat Elzie? How do you remember him in his teaching methods and could you develop further under him?

Pat helped me a lot. He had a lot of trust in me. He is a players coach that always pushed me. I feel that without having gotten his trust, I would of never landed in Bremerhaven.

You were teammates with Kostas Karamatskos. What memories do you have of him? Could one learn toughness from him?

It was a real challenge to play against him as a young player. He was always physical on the court, but off the court, a gentle person. He was a real role model for me and a real character.

Who was the greatest player that you ever faced on the court?

Derrick Williams when he played with FC Bayern Munich. I had to cover him and that was no easy task.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Jordan Hulls, Jonny Berhanemeskel, Michael Kessen, Casey Hill, Nick Hornsby

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

Jordan, Lebron, Kobe, Kareem

Jokic, Doncic, Drazen Petrovic, Giannis

Dirk, Dennis Schroeder, Detlef Schrempf, Franz Wagner

Who is your GOAT?

No comment

Thanks Adrian for the chat.

Adrian Breitlauch(Eisbaeren Bremerhaven) Enjoys The Unselfishness This Season And The Challenge To Always Find The Best Shot On Each Possession

Pic credit Dennis Green

Adrian Breitlauch (193-SG-1993) is a 31 year old 193cm guard playing his 7th season with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. He played 3 years in the easyCredit BBL with Bremerhaven. He also balled 2 seasons with the Artland Dragons and 4 years with the Itzehoe Eagles. He also had experience with TK Hannover and BSG Bermerhaven. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big win against Nurnberg.

Thanks Adrian for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on the big 92-78 win over Nurnberg. How good did it feel sweeping the season series?

Thank you. It felt really good. It was a big team win and we stuck together. It was a big win because our rest program is very difficult. This was a big step in the direction of the playoffs.

Bremerhaven had the slim 49-44 lead at the break. Jack Pagenkopf made it difficult for Bremerhaven to get away. What made it so difficult to contain him?

He is very versatile and very dangerous from outside. His team did a good job getting him good looks. He is also a very talented individual player. But we knew that if we would find to our team game again in the second half that we would win.

Bremerhaven led 71-59 after 3 quarters. What adjustments did the team make? You finally found to your team basketball.

Yes we did find back to our team basketball, but key was our defense. We heightened our intensity. We too often allow big runs again to the opponent to make the game exciting. We didn´t do that this time.

They made a run at the start of the fourth quarter, but the Eisbaeren closed out the game with a 20-8 run. Did the 6 straight free throws by you and Daniel Norl break their neck? How proud were you of the team character?

We showed super team character. We are young, but know to stick together in tough times. Different guys always step up. It can be anyone on our team.

You led all scorers with 21 points. You almost had a perfect game shooting 7/8. How happy with your efficiency?

I wanted to go 8/8. But I´m not at all disappointed by that. It was a fun game to play. My teammates did a really good job finding me. And as usual when the first few go in, you get that good feeling that more will go in.

The team missed the playoffs last season and this season are a top 5 team. What have you enjoyed most about this season?

I have enjoyed how coach Steve Esterkamp has put in new wind here. It is a relatively new team and we found harmony quickly. For us players, it isn´t only a job, but a commitment. We all push each other and everybody understands each other well.

What I think is so special this season is how well the team plays together. Could one give the team the middle name “Unselfish”?

Yes it could be. Esterkamp has really helped us with that team focus. After games we will watch film and he will ask us how we rate a shot and then asks us if we can find a better shot. He holds us responsible and always wants us to look for the best shot.

The last 3 games are tough with Jena, Giessen and Hagen. You lost to Giessen and Jena. How is Bremerhaven a different team than 4 months ago?

We grew as a team in the last months. We are a young team and have gone through lows, but we have become stronger. We are calmer now. We lost to Giessen and Jena at the end. The playoffs start for us now. We want to show what we are made of.

I saw a game in Koblenz and enjoyed the ball movement and unselfishness? How do you explain the development of that?

It was a big focus for us from the start. It is a big challenge for the guards Miller, Hemschmeier, Norl and Biss to make the right decisions. But they have grown in their challenge to bring team basketball on the court.

This team has no super star. Is team the superstar?

Yes that is exactly right.

How vital has head coach Steven Esterkamp been for the success? He had misfortune with Paderborn last season but this season has proven that he can rebound from adversary. What has been his biggest strength?

His biggest strength is that he has a clear vision and is a good communicator and tells us exactly what he wants. He is very strict is how we should execute

How much fun is it playing with Carlos Carter? Is he the ultimate Swiss army knife?

He can play everywhere and guard anyone. He has been a huge enrichment on the court and off the court he has been a lot of fun.

How talented is Peter Hemschemeier? Does he have easyCredit BBL potential?

In his mindset he has no fear of anything on the court. He has a very creative game and very far for his age. It is hard to believe that he is already in his 5th pro season at age 21. He has BBL potential.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Daniel Norl?

I win, but the rest will say that he will win because he is more creative,

Thanks Adrian for the chat,

Kenan Reinhart(Dragons Rhondorf) Was Able To Learn Mental Toughness from Legend Dirk Bauermann

pic credit: Martin Jung

Kenan Reinhart (194-SG-2007) is a 18 year old 194cm guard playing his second season for the Dragons Rhondorf. Last season he averaged 3,7ppg in the Pro B for the Dragons and in the NBBL for Bonn averaged 17.1ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 41.5%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 85.4%, In the 2023-2024 season for the RheinStars he averaged 3,1ppg in the Pro B and 24.9ppg, 7.1rpg, 2.3apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 40.4%, 3PT: 31.4%, FT: 80.3% in the NBBL. He also played at the Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Germany (Unofficial World Championships U18) in 2024 averaging 6.5ppg, 2.3rpg and at the FIBA U17 World Cup in Istanbul (Turkey) -2024 averaging 4.0ppg. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Kenan for talking to ghermanhoops.com. You just finished the 2023-2024 season and it was a heavy load with, AST, NBBL, Pro B and the World Cup U-17. How was the season for you mentally and physically?

I feel strong! I love basketball and it’s fun. That always matter it easier no made how tough the struggle may be.

You played at the U-17 World Cup and Germany finished in 11th place. How did you summarize the tournament? I guess you can’t make excuses with some guys not being there?

It was a really good learning experience to see where we stand against the rest of the world. I felt like we were competitive. We always gave our best to stay with the opponent.

Germany had some loses to Turkey and France. Did these games show that there was a big difference in talent and class?

I don’t think so. They had some really good players. We had already demonstrated in the preparation that we could stay with them.

What could you learn from games like these?

To always keep fighting and never give up. A game has 40 minutes and you should never give up early.

You averaged 4,0ppg at the World Cup U-17. How did you summarize your play?

My three pointer didn’t fall well. I tried to help my team as best as I could and just give my best in the minutes that I got.

You also played at the AST. I remember watching a tough loss to Serbia and then an almost win against China. What were you able to take from the AST?

We had a good mentality after the loss to Serbia and just looked ahead and prepared for the next team. We had no time to cry. We had a very young team. I felt we gave our best given the circumstances.

What is it like being coached from Dirk Bauermann. He is a legend and is lauded from his players for his work with the young players. What kind of a relationship do you have with him and how has he helped you most?

It was an hon0ur to play for a legend like that. I had a very good relationship with him. The most important thing that he taught me was mental toughness.

What has it been like being teammates with athletic Jervis Scheffs. Did anyone console him after missing key shots against China at the end?

It was nobody’s fault. We win and lose as a team. We pushed each other in practice no matter what.

Let’s talk a little about your game. You’re a 194cm shooting guard. To what pro player have you heard comparisons from other people about how you play the game?

I hear the name Andi Obst a lot and recently have heard Reed Shephard who recently was drafted. I’m shot dominated and play good defense. I give whatever the team needs.

You’re a great scorer and shooter. Are you more than just a 3 and D player?
I needed to do more in the NBBL and showed it. I do whatever the coach asks of me, but being a 3 and D player is a strength of mine.

Dirk Bauermann said he wants you to become like Andi Obst. Do you follow his game and watch his videos?

I watch a lot of his videos and his natural moves. I tried to copy his step back jumper for my game.

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

I feel like I’m a solid defender, But I know that if I want to play at a higher level, I will have to defend better. Stephan Baeck always stresses that you will stay on the court if you play good defense.

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

My main focus now is on my body and to get more athletic. I’m also working on my mid range game and trying to incorporate a small floater into my game.

You were a member of the RheinStars Cologne. What was it like being part of this great organization? What did you appreciate most from the experience?

We are like a family. I feel like I’m supported from everyone in the organization. You go into the gym and everyone knows you. If you have a good game, they congratulate you and after a bad game they push you.

You had a great NBBL season averaging 24/7/2/1 and played your last game in December. You concentrated more on the pro B. How do you summarize your NBBL season?

I had a successful season and was named rookie of the year. I’m really proud how far we went this season after not winning a game last season.

You made your Pro B debut at age 15 scoring 4 points against Wolmirstedt. What memories do you have of that game?
It wasn’t sure before the game if I would play. I remember thinking on the bus that if I do get in, I won’t be afraid of no one and just play my game.

Last season you played in the Pro B averaging 3,0ppg in 9 minutes. How did your game grow?

The biggest thing that grew was my self-confidence. I want to build off that season this year. Last season was important in that I was able to find myself in the league and understand what I had to do to be successful.

You had so many talented teammates in the Pro B. Which RheinStars Cologne player had the biggest influence on you.

I think that the guys that played at my position with Bryan battle and Tim Lang had the biggest influence on me. They got more minutes and I always pushed myself to be better than them.

You reached the 2023 JBBL top 4. What kind of an experience was it playing there? You and Davi Remagen carried the team.

Davi is a good friend of mine. It was great playing in an atmosphere like that something we had never seen before. It was an unforgettable moment. It was the first JBBL top 4 in the RheinStars history.

How important has Zoran Kucic for your basketball development the last years’? How did he help you most?

Zoran has been very important in my career. I do a lot of individual training with him. He is always ready to train with me when I call him. He really believes in my game.

Why did you leave the RheinStars Cologne to come to the Dragons Rhondorf? Were there too many talented players in Cologne?

I left Cologne because the Telekom Baskets are more professional as there are more chances to move up as a player.

What kind of an experience has it been playing for the Dragons Rhondorf? What do you like most of the experience?

It has been a very educational experience especially with the coaching change and it is preparing me well for the life as a professional player. I like the atmosphere of the fans the most.

Your minutes have been consistent since the coaching change and before that up and down? What have been the reasons for you being more a part of the rotation?

I think that I was able to prove I could play in the minutes that I got and always tried to help the team as much as possible in practice.

Who was the greatest player that you ever faced on the court?

Andreas Seifert.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Ruppert Hennen, Bjoern Rohwar, Jannis Von Seckendorf, Davi Remagen, Ali Sow

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

Kobe, Jordan, Lebron, Steph Curry
Shane Larkin, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Milos Teodosic, Luka Doncic
Kendrick Nunn, Dirk Nowitzki, Tibor Pleiss, Dennis Schroeder

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James.

Thanks Kenan for the chat.

Jake Biss Has Been Celebrating Success With The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven And Being Reúnited With Steve Eskerkamp And Carlos Carter Has Been Like Icing On The Cake

Pic credit: Dennis Green

Jake Biss (188-G-1998, college: Shippensburg) is a 26 year old 188cm guard from Latrobe, Pennsylvania playing his third professional season and second in Germany with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. Last season he played with Gartnezaun24 Baskets Paderborn averaging 11.7ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 77.4%. In his rookie season he played with he played with the Den Helder Suns (Holland-DBL) averaging 12.7ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 90.3% in the BNXT league. He began his basketball career at Greater Latrobe High School and then played at ShippensburgUniversity (NCAA2) from 2017-2022 amassing a total of 118 games. He spoke to eurobasket about basketball. germanhoops.com spoke to Jake about his basketball career not remembering that he had been interviewed a year ago. Many questions were similar so it´s interesting to see his answers.

Thanks Jake for talking to germanhoops.com Congrats on the big win over the EPG Guardians Koblenz. Do you feel like the team is on a good way going towards the playoffs? The team has won 5 of it´s last 7 games.

Yes, I feel like we have some great momentum going into the last stretch of the regular season. We’ve been able to string together 5 wins out of the last 7 and will continue to build off those going into these last 4.

I saw that game in Koblenz and was really impressed with the extra pass. The team is totally unselfish. Was that unselfishness there from day 1 or did it grow with time?

The unselfish play is something coach emphasized from day 1. I think it has gotten better since the start of the season when the chemistry is being built and roles are trying to get figured out, but we really focus on team basketball. Basketball isn’t an individual sport.

The Eisbaeren Bremerhaven are having a good season. What has been the secret to the success?

I think this group we have really meshes well together and as I mentioned before, we play team basketball. There’s a trust between all of us and that really helps when we’re out there on the court, knowing we all got each other’s backs.

The team has no real stars, but 10 guys that average 7,0ppg or more. Have you ever seen this before in your career? Does everyone play for each other?

I have never been on a team with this kind of dynamic, but I don’t see a problem with it at all. I think it helps more than it may hurt. We know that this is a team sport, and we are only as strong as our weakest link, and to be honest, if you look down the roster, I don’t see one weak link. We all bring different skill sets to this team and using them within coach’s system has been pretty successful thus far.

The team allows the second least points in the Pro A with 75 per game. What is the biggest strength on the defensive end that has allowed the team to have this special identity?

I think it’s an effort thing. You go down the list of our games and you won’t find one where you could say the effort wasn’t there. The defensive schemes and principles we are taught are great but implementing that defense out on the court without any effort wouldn’t get us anywhere. When we take care of the little things on defense, we can be really tough to score on.

What has it been like being teammates with young German Peter Hemschmeier? How talented is he? He hit big three´s against Koblenz?

I have nothing but good things to say about Peter. For his age he is really talented and we all can see that he’s got a lot of potential and another level he can reach. He did hit some big shots against Koblenz, especially late game which was huge for us. It’s been great playing with him, I think him and I play well together and know each other’s games pretty well.

The team has so many great players. Who would you call the team´s Swiss army knife? Possibly Carlos Carter?

Yeah, I think you could give Carlos that title. He can score at all three levels. He’s got those long arms and can really hound guys on defense and he plays above the rim which is great. I’ve never seen anyone be in the passing lane on defense and anticipating those passes for steals better than him. He’s a threat out there for sure Carlos is definitely our Swiss Army knife. He can guard positions 1-4. With his long arms, athleticism he’s able to get a lot of steals are guard some of the toughest players in the Pro A. Not to mention how offensively skilled he is. He is another player on this team whose ceiling is very high for their career.

You were already teammates with Carlos Carter for 4 years at Shippensburg. Is he like a brother for you?

I had 4 years with Carlos in college and we grew up 40 minutes from each other, so we’ve had some battles in high school games as well. I can definitely call him one of my brothers for sure. He’s a great guy off the court and from knowing him so long we’ve really been able to build a great friendship and I’m extremely grateful that we’re able to play together halfway across the world from where we grew up.

You played for Steve Esterkamp last season in Paderborn. He must of felt some pressure after Paderborn went down. How has he grown and matured as a coach this season?

Whether he felt some pressure or not after last season, I don’t know. What I do know is that he knows the game of basketball extremely well and he can be successful in any situation he finds himself in. Compared to some other coaches I’ve had, he does a really good job at taking feedback from us (the team) and getting our perspective on things. He was a player once too and he knows the ins and outs of this lifestyle and is very considerate to the team and our thoughts on things.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 188cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I’ve always tried to model my game after Devin Booker. He has such a sound game and is one of the most skilled guys in the world. I think he would fit the description best.

You have always been a scorer your whole career while being consistent. What do other strengths does your game have?

I think I’m a really good defender and I think I can pass the ball and create opportunities for my teammates fairly well. My first year as a pro my role was to strictly shoot the ball, mainly threes. I’m glad coach saw that I can do much more than just that and I think I’ve been able to showcase my other skillsets this season.

You shot over 40% from outside twice at Shippensburg, but as a pro still seeking that 40% plateau. What do you feel is still missing to reaching that?

The game is just so much different over here and at this level compared to back when I was in college. I’m not trying to make excuses, but back in college I had the ultimate greenlight and could shoot just about any shot I liked. It’s much easier to shoot it at a higher percentage when you’re the main guy your team relies on to score the ball. Over here and at this level, shot selection is at a much higher importance, and when you’re on a team that has depth like we do, I’m not going to get the 12 to 15 shots a game like I was in college and that is fine, we have plenty offensive threats on this team. I just think shooting at a higher percentage here and at this level holds more weight than at the college level.

How has your defense grown this season? Bremerhaven gives up only 75 points per game and is one of the best defensive teams in the Pro A?

I personally think my on ball defense has improved this season. Compared to the last two seasons I’m playing more physically on defense and can read actions better from the experience. But within the team the effort and trust factor is key in us holding teams to 75 points.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to climb the basketball ladder?

My shot and my decision making when coming off ball screens. I think executing these two things at a high level will help me climb that ladder for sure.

Last season you played with Gartenzaun24 Baskets Paderborn (Germany-ProA) averaging 11.7ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 77.4%. How tough was it coming late to a sinking ship? You still held your own. What did you learn from this season?

It was tough for sure, and I tried to do everything I could to help turn things around in Paderborn. Joining a team halfway through the season comes with a load of challenges, but it was pretty easy to buy into coach’s system from the jump, which is part of the reason I came with him here to Bremerhaven. I think I simply learned more about the different style of play here in Europe compared to how I was playing my whole life in the U.S. I was able to adapt my game more to the European style and I think built on my leadership skills as well.

You had your best game against Nurnberg on the last game day scoring 28 points with 7 three´s. How tough was that loss despite playing well?

That was definitely a heartbreaking loss. It would have been great to finish out the season with a win, especially for the fans that were great all season despite our poor record. Knowing that I could play like that in this league though sparked some interest in wanting to come back to this league for this current season.

You played your rookie season with the Den Helder Suns (Holland-DBL) averaging 12.7ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.1apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 51.7%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 90.3% in the BNXT league. 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 knew I was far away from home as soon as I was getting driven from the Amsterdam airport to my apartment in Den Helder. The cars were different, seeing the Dutch language on billboards and business signs, etc. That was all eye opening for sure.

You played at Shippensburg University (NCAA2) from 2017-2022. You were really consistent with your game in your last 3 seasons. How did your game grow in those last years?

I think it started with confidence in myself. Once I had that, the game just started slowing down for me and I could really use my skillset to play in that conference at a high level.

You were teammates with the Sleva brothers. You only played one season with Dustin, but more seasons with Dom. What memories will you always have of them and who knows you may be teammates again overseas?

Dom is one of my closest friends to this day. He’s such a great guy and I’m grateful we were able to play against each other the first game of this season. He’s a friend for life and I’m really glad our paths crossed at Ship. And Dustin has been such a great role model from the jump my freshman year at Ship. He really paved the way for Dom and I and some other college teammates that are playing professionally and I’m truly grateful for the help and knowledge about this lifestyle that he has shared.

You had so many great games at Shippenburg including some 30 plus point games. What was your fondest moment there?

This might surprise some people, but my favorite game from college was in the second round of the national tournament my freshman year against West Liberty. I think west Lib was ranked second in the whole country and we came out and beat them buy 20 plus. It was the best I’ve seen that team play all year and was able to be a small part of it scoring a few points.

How did Chris Fite groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Fite instilled this confidence in me that I’ve never had before going into my sophomore year. He basically told me the keys to the car were mine and that he needed me to lead the way. It’s almost like he forced it onto me, and I just had to respond as best as I could. But knowing he had that trust in me really allowed me to play free and develop my game as best as I could.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Kyon Hardy?

Reading that made me laugh. I don’t think Kiyon and I ever played ones at Ship, but I know if we did it would be an extremely competitive game.

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

I played pick up a couple summers ago with Omari Spellman. He was about as dominant as you could think of. He would have to be the one.

Please name your 5 favorite teammates of all-time?

· Sean Graytok

· Dom Sleva

· Dustin Sleva

· Austin Butler

· John Castello

What is your personal NBA mount rushmore of past or present heads?

1. Jordan

2. Lebron

3. Kobe

4. Kareem

Who is your GOAT and why?

Jordan just because of his mentality. It’s second to none.

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

I have not seen the sequel.

Thanks Jake for the second chat.