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Alex Lagerman(TV Langen) Will Always Sparkle As A Scorer But This Season Wants To Become A Defensive Leader

pic credit: TV Langen

Alexander Lagerman (202-SG-2004) is a 21 year old 202cm shooting guard playing his first season with TV Lagne. Last season he played with Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf averaging 9.4ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 72.1%. In the 2023-2024 season he played with the wiha Panthers Schwenningen (ProB) playing16 games averaging 15.1ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 61.6%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 72.7%. He began his basketball career with the Fraport Skyliners in the JBBL (U-16) and also played 4 Pro B games and in 2022-2023 season in the NBBL averaged :21.2ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 78.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after TV Langen´s first win of the season over Wurzburg.

Congrats Alex on the first win for TV Langen over 89-69. How good does it feel? You had a buzzer beater last season in Wurzburg.

The win feels good. It was a big relief winning our first game. The funny thing is this win was around the same time as my buzzer beater with Rhondorf in Wurzburg last season. I seem to have Wurzburg and Ludwigsburg number. I always paly well against them.

Did you ever have doubts about winning? How tough was the season up to now losing 5 in a row?

The last loses were tough on us as a team. We moved up from the Regionalliga and it was known that the club didn´t have much money. When that is the case, then you have to win other ways bringing more effort. We had doubts up to game, but during the game everything worked. Plus Wurzburg didn´t have their best game.

Wurzburg had the quick 5-0 lead, but you then scored the first TV Langen points. How did you feel? Did you think like you could have a great scoring day?

Yes it felt good. I noticed that getting to the rim was so easy. That was the moment where I believed that I could have a good scoring night.

Wurzburg got a lot of easy buckets inside. The team allows 87 points. Is 1-1 defense something you feel the team will be able to clean up in next weeks?

Our 1-1 defense is our biggest weakness as well as rim protection. We don´t have the length and no big center so we have to defend harder and simply have more discipline. Paint protection and 1-1 defense are big focuses for us as a team.

How much energy did your dunk give the team at the end of the first quarter? TV Langen then got lead back at 18-16.

The dunk was big, but also we had a phase before and after the dunk where we got steals and transition baskets which helped us a lot. Bring defense to offense was key.

TV Langen led 46-35 at the break and took control of the game thanks to Niklas Pons who produced 12 points. He was a one man wrecking crew. How special of a player is he?

His play is vital for our success. He is a playmaker/glue guy. He always gives the team unbelievable energy especially on defense. He also does a great job getting to the basket. He is our internal engine.

He already achieved a triple double this season. Does his play motivate you in general as a player to work on your total game?

Yes he does. I see his complete game and some of the things that he does well are my weaknesses. I try to soak up as much as possible from his game. He is an expert on 1-1 defense and knows how to punish defenders.

TV Langen really broke open the game in the third quarter and led 70-48 after 30 minutes. You had 10 points. Did you feel like you were in the zone at one point?

Yes it felt like I was in the zone. I finally hit a three pointer after many attempts. My confidence rose after that and I hit a few more three´s after that. We really controlled the flow as a whole in that phase.

Wurzburg had a little run in the last quarter, but TV Langen still won by a large margin. How thrilled are you to have finished strong as a team?

I´m happy that we finished so well. I think key was that everyone was prepared to play that night. Every player brought much energy. It was a complete team effort. It was a lot of fun.

TV Langen won the rebounds, had 24 assists, 21 steals and 12 turnovers. What stat was the best for you?

I feel like steals was the most important stat. The steals helped us get out on runs. Our defense helped us capitalize on scoring which turned the game around.

On what areas does the team have to improve on to keep the winning streak alive against 5-2 Speyer?

Playing in Speyer is always difficult. I remember last season with Rhondorf having no chance there. We have to work on our 1-1 defense, rebounding and paint protection. On offense we have to work on spacing and getting better into our sets. Hitting more shots would also help.

You shot 13/29 having 33 points and 11 rebounds. This was a career high. Was this your best offensive game?

It wasn´t my best shooting day as I have had better games where I scored a lot and took less shots. But overall with scoring, rebounding, passing and steals was it up with my best in my career.

You had good games this season with the exception of your 2 points against Orange Academy. Is your aggressiveness at a point now where your content?

I like the aggressiveness that I have now. I will always take shots and not shy away from doing it. But for me the most important thing is that the team work well together to have success.

What is your goal as a player this season with TV Langen? Can you make the next step?

My goal is to keep working on my game and get better and more consistent. I also want to be more of a leader on defense. I think that being good defensively will always help your team most.

Is being the number one scoring option important for you or are you content on sharing the important shots with guys like Washington, Crnjac or Pons?

I always want to share it. I never go into the game wanting to score the most points. I always want to share the scoring. Plus it takes the scoring load of your shoulder when many can do it.

What were the main reasons for joining TV Langen? Your from Frankfurt. How vital was being closer to home?

I wanted to focus more on my studies. I will do a bank apprenticeship starting on 1.1.2026 in Frankfurt at UBS

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Drago Crnjac?

He wins some and I win some. Drago has a knack for making tough shots.

Thanks Alex for the chat.

Elijah Miller(Eisbaeren Bremerhaven) Has Career High 33 Points In Win Against The Artland Dragons Proving That You Can´t Fall Asleep On Him

Elijah Miller (183-PG-1997, college: UPEI) is a 28 year old 183cm point guard from Ontario, Canada playing his third professional season and second in Germany with Pro A team Eisbaeren. Last season with the Eisbaeren he averaged 13.4ppg, 3.9rpg, APG-2 (6.7), 1.0spg, FGP: 46.7%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT: 88.0%. In his rookie season he played for KK Kozuv AD Gevgelija (North Macedonia-Prva Liga) averaging 10.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 81.3%. He also played 2 seasons with the Edmonton Stingers (CEBL) averaging 8.6ppg, 2.6rpg, 3.0apg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 25.8%, FT: 75.0% and 8.3ppg, 2.9rpg, 4.5apg, FGP: 44.9%, 3PT: 41.0%, FT: 80.0%. He began his basketball career with the University of Prince Edward Island (U Sports) averaging 15.4ppg, 4.0rpg, 5.4apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 82.1%, 20.7ppg, 5.4rpg, Assists-2 (5.9apg), Steals-4 (2.7spg), FGP: 52.1%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 86.6% and in his last year averaged 19.7ppg, 5.3rpg, 5.2apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 33.6%, FT: 89.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after scoring a career high 33 points in the 88-84 win over the Artland Dragons.

Thanks Elijah on the big 88-84 win over the Artland Dragons. The Eisbaeren are now 6-1. How good does another one feel?

It feels good, but I have to give credit to the Artland Dragons who played a great game. We have to be ready again for the next game at Paderborn on Sunday.

Does a win feel better every new week?

They feel great every new time. We show that a new guy can step up every game. Every win feels good, because it isn´t easy to win in the Pro A.

The Eisbaeren had the 22-21 lead after 10 minutes. You got your first points with the last basket of the quarter. Did you have any idea then that you could have a good scoring night?

I not really focused too much on my scoring but just take what the defense gives me.

The Artland Dragons had the 42-41 lead at the break. You only had 5 points at the break. How did you go into the second half mentally with your own game?

I felt like I had to be more aggressive and put more pressure on their defense. I didn´t want to force too much, but play team basketball. I knew if I did that, that shots would come.

The Artland Dragons went on a quick 11-2 run to lead 53-43. What defensive principles did the Eisbaeren get away from?

We weren´t being aggressive enough. We didn´t show our best pick and roll defense. They were getting way too many easy baskets inside from their 5 man. They also found their shooters. That was the recipe for their scoring.

You got going in the last minutes scoring 8 points and Artland led only 61-60. Did you have to risk more or did you let the game come to you?

I let the game come to me. In the first half, they wanted me to take three´s. I was more patient in the second half and didn´t force anything. I shot with confidence and my teammates trusted me.

You scored the first 7 points for your team in the fourth quarter to regain the lead. Did you take the momentum of the end of the third quarter?

Yes I did. As soon as I saw one go in, my confidence was really high. I made sure that we ran the right play for myself or my teammates. They made me go under screens and we made them pay with open three´s.

Hendrik Warner hit some big baskets in crunch-time. How huge has his game been this season?

Hendrik is a great player in the Pro A. He is a real work horse. Coach always tells us that we have to reward our bigs by getting them the ball inside for easy baskets. Coach always says that our bigs have the hardest jobs on the team.

You continued to execute and scored 10 more points to help seal the win. What was key in crunch-time for the win?

I think key in crunch-time was just trusting the process. It was a long game and we did a good job disrupting them a bit. We found ways to get crucial stops and made big shots. We made sure that we scored and they didn´t.

You scored 33 points a career high. How good does that feel?

It feels good. I´m really not too focused on scoring, but it does feels good. It feels even better when you win.

Does a game like that spawn you to want to go for 35 the next game?

Yes it does. I know that I can score at a high level. I think that a game like this puts pressure on other teams defense because they know I can score the ball and be dangerous while also be able to create anytime for my teammates. They know that you can´t fall asleep on me on defense

Your averaging 9,0apg going into the Artland game. How strange does it feel not getting a dime in the game? The last game where you didn´t have an assist was on July 11th in the CEBL.

I feel like that was a mistake. I had at least 2 assists. I had an obvious assist to Jannis Von Seckendorf on the alley op.

The team continues to build chemistry and get better. How is this team better now than last season?

I think key in our success has been keeping many guys from last season and the new core of guys this season have all learned the system and adapted to it very well.

The team also defends very well. What has Steve Esterkamp drilled into your heads about the importance of defense in the Pro A?

We always practice defense first and offense second. Putting a lot of pressure on teams each game is key.

On Sunday you travel to 2-5 team Paderborn. What will be key to getting the win?

We have to stick to the basics. We have to follow our game plan and be disciplined. We have to play fast and make quick decisions and be locked into defense.

Thanks Elijah for the chat.

Jon´il Fugett Had No Idea That He Had Exploded For 48 Points As All He Was Concerned About Was Trying To Get The Win

Jon’il Fugett (183-PG-1999, college: UCCS) is a 25 year old 183cm guard from Denver, Colorado playing his third professional season and second with TSG Westerstede (Pro B) while also playing for easyCredit BBL team EWE Baskets Oldenburg. Last season he helped TSG Westerstede (Germany-Regionalliga) move up to the Por B averaging (23.3), 4.9rpg, 4.9apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 69.0%. He played his rookie season for 3 clubs with BC Spartak Pleven (Bulgaria-NBL) averaging 12.8ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.8apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 41.7%, 3FGP: 58.3%, FT: 93.8%, in Jan.’24 moved to KK Pelister Sport Bitola (North Macedonia-Prva Liga) averaging 4.5ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.0apg, 1.0spg, in Feb.’24 signed at KK Vardar Skopje (North Macedonia-Prva Liga) averaging 13.7ppg, 3.0rpg, 4.4apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 29.9%, FT: 65.5%. He began his basketball career at George Washington high school and then played a season at Butler Community College (JUCO) averaging 7.6ppg, 3.2rpg, 3.0apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 40.1%, 3PT: 26.9%, FT: 62.7%. He then played 2 years at West Texas A&M University (NCAA2) averaging 10.0ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.0apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 71.4% and 12.9ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 43.4%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 77.3%. He then finished at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (NCAA2) averaging 13.8ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 44.1%, FT: 75.0% and 15.3ppg, 4.9rpg, 3.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 42.4%, FT: 74.6%. He spoke to eurobasket after his monumental 48 point game in the Pro B.

Congrats on scoring 48 points against Neustadt. Could you in anyway realize this amazing feat despite getting the loss?

Thank you and yes I’m starting to realize just how big it is with all of the attention that it is getting throughout this past week. Although I do really wish that the stats came with a win.

Last season you had a 41 point performance in the Regionalliga. Was 48 points your career high?

48 is my new career high. To be honest I knew that I had a lot of points but I did not know that it was 48. I was more focused on the win in the moment.

You began the game with a block and then had 5 points in less than 2 minutes. Was that just a normal start for you as you’re a walking bucket?

I feel like I kind of do what the team needs in terms of the way that games start. A lot of it depends on the way the defense is playing me. I came into this game knowing that I needed to be a little more aggressive though and that’s what I was trying to get my team to mimic.

You then scored 11 more points and had 16 points after a quarter. You made a three pointer at the buzzer. Was that the moment where you thought this could be a special game of 40+ points?

The shot at the buzzer wasn’t necessarily my thought that I could go and get 40 but more so was just a feel good morale boost for the team. I feel like that was a shift in momentum and definitely helped me with my confidence the rest of the game.

You only scored 6 points in the second quarter. Your shots weren´t falling. How important was it that you remained aggressive and got to the free throw line and just kept shooting the ball?

After the second quarter I kind of saw their lead grow and I knew that I had to make sure I could give us a little more on the offensive end if we were going to be able to keep competing.

In the third quarter you scored 9 points, but Neustadt still had the 69-63 advantage after 30 minutes. At that point you had 33 points. What was your mindset going into the fourth quarter?

At the end of the 3rd quarter I was really happy with our teams fight and perseverance and I kind of used that as motivation for myself offensively and defensively. As a competitor and someone who loves the game you live for these close games with a packed crowd. Whether it’s home or away you just want to get the win however you can.

You guys kept fighting back and you scored 5 points in the last minute. But in the end it was the free throws from Neustadt that cost Westerstede the game. What do you believe could the young guys learn from the loss?

I think the biggest thing the young guys can learn is just how important the details get when you’re in those pressure situations. The smallest details that nobody is willing to do can determine a win or a loss.

What does this personal feat of 48 points mean to you. You took many three´s and would have easily reached 50 points or close to 60 had you hit more shots?

This accomplishment means a lot to the work dedication and patience I’ve had so far throughout my career. A lot of my shots rattled in and out of the rim and I’m just happy that I had coaches and teammates who were confident in me and my ability. That night it was a good night for me but we will need a good night from everybody throughout the season so when someone else is feeling it I will show the same support.

As a competitor like you does a game like this lift your expectations for eclipsing the 50 points?

I feel like I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think I could go get 50 or even 60 at some point, but again that’s just me being confident in what I am able to do. My first goal is bringing whatever the team needs to win.

Did you get special messages from friends and family from USA?

Yeah I got some love from friends and family back in the US so that was cool to see. I got a good support system back there so I’m blessed for that.

What was your favorite bucket of the game?

My favorite bucket of the game had to be the last 3 I hit that I personally thought was an and 1 but the refs didn’t see it that way.

Thanks Jon´il for the chat.

Versatile Leonard Hampl Leads 0-6 TKS 49ers To Upset 83-78 Victory over The Dragons Rhondorf For First Win Of Season

The up and down play of the Dragons Rhondorf continued as they returned home into their living room with a tough 89-74 loss in Westerstede. Once again, they didn´t shoot particulary well from down town and worse of all were clobbered on the offensive glass. They next faced the winless 0-6 TKS 49ers from Stahnsdorf. They were a team that had massive problems scoring the ball as they only averaged 63 points per game and allowed way too many with 88 points. This was a must win for the Dragons Rhondorf as they wanted to start another winning streak. On a very mild early November day, The 8th team Dragons Rhondorf faced #13 TKS 49ers and after 40 minutes, the Dragons learned that the game is never over until the fat lady sings and that buzzer sounds. The Dragons Rhondorf played a solid first half and led by 13 points, but in the second half the TKS 49ers turned the game around and lost the lead again in the fourth quarter, but pulled out the win in crunch-time 83-78. The team was led by versatile big man Leonard Hampl (202-C-2001) who had a 20/5/8 game and gave the Dragons problems all day long in the paint area with his physicality and body mass. But all in all it was a total team effort as the team wanted that first win of the season on the road. “Everyone played for each other. We fell apart the last 2 games for about 10 minutes, but today we put it all together for 40 minutes. We trusted each other, played good defense in the second half and hit shots. We played beautiful basketball at times and nobody gave up”, warned TKS 49er Leonard Hampl. The Dragons Rhondorf played a solid first half, but in the second half lost consistency and couldn´t cope with the 49ers zone and lost a game that they should of won. “I have to give them credit that they fought hard for 40 minutes, but if we would of played our game, then we would of won. We were up by 13 points at the break, but in the second half couldn´t play our systems the way we should of. We didn´t defend physically anymore in the second half. We rebounded very well for 40 minutes though”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf forward Duje Dujmovic.

Carl Peters from outside

Both teams found their offensive rhythm well in the first quarter as the TSK 49ers tried to find their big Leonard Hampl inside while the Dragons Rhondorf played inside out basketball getting a trey from Dujmovic and lay in from American Juhwan Harris-Dyson while the guests got 2 baskets in the pain from Hamplt, but the game was dead locked at 9-9. 16 year old German Dusan Ilic did a good job with the playmaking registering 3 assists early. The Dragons marched out on a 6-0 run getting a lay up from young German David Bonning and a 15 footer from the Spanish wizard Jorge Mejias to lead 15-9. But the TKS 49ers practiced the first run of the contest scoring 11 points and giving up only 4 to lead 20-19. In the run, it was 20 year old German Carl Peters who led the charge with 6 points being aggressive and attacking the rim scoring and making free throws. The Dragons Rhondorf forced a little too much and lost rhythm, but ended the first quarter with the lead of 21-20 as Mejias made a jumper. “The game was even, but it took us some time to get our rhythm. We went to zone and then found our flow on offense”, stated Leonard Hampl. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 46% from the field and 22% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 8 turnovers while the TKS 49ers shot 38% from the field and 0% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

Dusan Ilic at the FT line

The Dragons Rhondorf broke open the game in the second quarter as they finally found consistency with their outside shooting and led by 13 points at half-time. Both teams bigs with Benjamin Sadikovic who entered the game averaging 2 blocks per game made a lay in as did Hampl as the Dragons led 23-22. But then came the first turning point of the game as the Dragons Rhondorf marched out on a brutal 16-3 run to lead 39-25. In the run, the Dragoons shared the ball beautifully getting 3 three pointers from young German Fynn Dobiecki, Dujmovic and Mejias. Mejias and Dujmovic also added lay in´s as the TKS 49ers were quickly in the hole. Defensively the Dragons Rhondorf heightened their aggressiveness and had better 1-1 defense. Dragons head coach Max Becker didn´t shy from playing anyone as 10 guys had scored up to half time including 16 year Malik Idbihi who made his first Pro B points of his career under the watchful eyes of papa Yassin as Rhondorf led 41-32. “I was relieved that I made the basket, because I had missed the first one. I stayed with it. It was a cool feeling”, smiled Malik Idbihi. The Dragons Rhondorf kept up the pressure and kept scoring as Lagui Diallo gave his usual energy and efficiency from the bench with 5 points while Mejias also scored a lay in. But the TKS 49ers had many talented guys giving their 2 cents in the comeback and one of those was 24 year old Lukas Wagner who has more than 100 Pro B games on his resume scored 2 buckets at close range to keep the guests in the game, but they did trail 50-37 after 20 minutes. “We played zone and they found cracks and started making three´s. In basketball it can go quickly once you hit one three, more continue. We had some good looks on offense, but didn´t hit them”, commented Leonard Hampl. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 49% from the field and 30% from the three point line and had 28 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the TKS 49ers shot 32% from the field and still had the big goose egg from the three point line and had 16 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Jeno Pildner at the FT line

In the third quarter, the TKS 49ers did the seemingly the impossible staging a massive comeback taking it step by step and having the 5 point lead after 30 minutes producing a brutal 31-13 scoring quarter. The TKS 49ers didn´t waste any time coming out of the break going on a rapid 6-2 run to trail 52-43. In the run, the guests continued to attack the rim getting lay in´s from ex Ehingen German Jeno Pildner, ex Olney Central College (JUCO) center Benjamin Faatz and Hampl. The Dragons Rhondorf continued to execute on offense and kept the double digit lead of 58-46 as Ilic and Mejias both hit floaters and Harris Dyson made a thunderous dunk on transition. But the game then suddenly swung in the direction of the guests as they shocked the Dragons Rhondorf with a lethal 23-5 run to lead 69-63 after 3 quarters. The 49ers didn´t have any luck with their outside shooting in the first half, but it then suddenly rained three´s as Lucas Wagner found his touch nailing 3 three´s after coming into the game shooting 33% from the parking lot while also adding a lay in and Carlo Meyer also connected from outside. The TKS 49ers were able to hold their intensity at both ends and the Dragons Rhondorf were unable to match it and had awful 1-1 defense. “At the break we asked ourselves who cares if were down by 13 points. We have to keep playing and we are good enough to come back. We trusted each other and played team basketball and our outside shots finally fell. We played good zone and rebounded better. We also stepped up our 1-1 defense”, warned Leonard Hampl. “They played very well. Hampl passed the ball well and we felt like we had to make floor smaller. That open up opportunities for their shooters. We didn´t respect their shooting and allowed them open looks”, expressed Duje Dujmovic. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 61% from the 2 point area and 27% from the parking lot and had n35 rebounds and 16 turnovers while the TKS 49ers shot 55% from the 2 point area and shot 25% from the parking lot and had 27 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Juhwan Harris-Dyson with the lay in

In the fourth quarter the Dragons Rhondorf rallied back and regained the lead, but couldn´t hold it as the TKS 49ers snatched the lead back and would never lose it again. Pildner began the fourth quarter with a lay in getting the perfect back door pass from Hampl who dished out his 7th dime of the game. Hampl displayed excellent passing for the total 40 minutes and often made such risky passes, but they always reached it´s destination. He couldn´t explain after the game where he got his keen passing skills from. “I just like to pass the ball. I´m lucky to have shooters who can make shots and many create cuts making it easier for me. Passing is simply less stressful for me and that is why I like it”, smiled Leonard Hampl. After Ilic free throws, it was Lucas Wagner who made a lay up for the 73-65 49ers lead. There was still some life with the Dragons Rhondorf as they didn´t want to go out without a fight. They came together stringing along a timely 10-0 run to grab the lead back at 75-72. Dusan Ilic with his potent playmaking and Mejias scoring led the charge back upping the tempo as Mejias scored twice with his classic mid range game while Harris-Dyson scored inside and Sadikovic connected on free throws. But the game proved again that basketball will always be a game of runs and all it took was one more fierce punch and that came from the TKS 49ers who put a lid on the game with a 11-3 run to win the game. Wagner tied the game at 75-75 with free throws and then took the lead again with another Wagner trey 78-75. On defense, they somehow still had some kind of energy in their tank and gave that one last push on defense with aggressive on ball defense that stifled the Dragons to bad shots. Hampl added a trey for good measure, only his third attempt this season for the 81-75 lead as the Dragons were deep in the hole with 1,55 to play, but still only a 2 possession game. But the guests managed the time well and even if the Dragons trailed only 81-78 with 36 seconds to play, the 49ers made their best possession of the game on the last one taking 22 seconds off clock and Carl Peters hit the deadly 20 footer to seal the win. “We played crunch time really well. Our zone worked well and we rebounded well allowing no second chances. We really wanted the win and fought for each other until the buzzer sounded”, said Leonard Hampl. “They defended well and we didn´t get the looks that we wanted. We are a young team and will learn from this. We have to realize that we have to play until the end. A game has 40 minutes”, warned Duje Dujmovic. The TKS 49ers were led by Lukas Wagner with 22 points. Leonard Hampl added 20 points and Carlo Meyer 13 points while the Dragons Rhondorf were led by Jorge Mejias with 21 points and Dusan Ilic added 11 points. The TKS 49ers shot 41% from the field and 27% from outside and had 34 rebounds and 15 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 41% from the field and 27% from outside and had 48 rebounds and 18 turnovers.

The Miles Vs Toru Dean Weekly Basketball Conversation Volume 2

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Toru Dean (183-PG, college: Langston) is a 183cm guard from Miami Florida playing his rookie season overseas with the TSV Bargteheide Bees (Germany-Regionalliga). He began his basketball career with South Miami High School and then played 3 seasons at Barry University (NCAA2) averaging 8.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 65.1% and in his second season averaged 12.0ppg, 3.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 39.2%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 46.2%; and in his third season averaged 9.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.1apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 39.9%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 62.9%. He then finished at Langston University, OK (NAIA) averaging 10.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.5apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 81.0% and 9.4ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.1apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 69.4%. He teams up every week with germanhoops.com to talk basketball.

Congrats Tore on the big 114-69 win over Freibeuter. It seems like every win this season is a cake walk. Was this win as easy as the score suggests?

Honestly, the score looks one-sided, but every game has its moments. We stayed focused, but Freibeuter made us work for it early. Nothing comes easy if you want to play at your best.

Talk a little about the 40 minutes. Was the game as easy as the score shows? Was there any down phase in the game from Bargteheide?

There were a few stretches where we had to reset defensively. I think we handled it well and never let it turn into a long slide. It’s about staying consistent the full 40 minutes, and I think we did that.

Bargteheide did a good job taking care of the ball and won the rebound battle. But despite that, was defense the biggest strength on the night?

Defense always sets the tone for us. We take pride in protecting the paint and forcing turnovers. Tonight, it helped us get out in transition and score easy buckets.

How key was Jamo Ruppert who scored 15 points in 20 minutes off the bench? What do you enjoy most about his game?

Jamo was huge for us tonight. He’s confident, moves without the ball, and always seems to make the right play. I love that he can change the game in a short time—it makes a big difference.

Bargteheide has allowed only 70 points in the last 2 games and eclipsed 100 points on offense in 4 of 5 games. How does the team remain hungry when one is already so good so early in the season?

We try not to get comfortable. Every game is a challenge, and we know there’s always room to improve. Staying humble, working hard in practice, and focusing on the next game keeps us sharp.

You had a great game of 25/4/8/7. How pleased were you with your performance?

I’m happy with my numbers, but it’s about the team first. If my stats help us win, that’s all that matters. I’m just glad we got the W.

You had 7 steals. Are you the minister of defense on the team?

Haha I don’t know about minister, but I take pride in defense. If I can help the team create opportunities and get stops, I’ll do it any night.

You next play Bergedorf who are 3-1. What will be key to getting win?

We have to focus on the little things—ball movement, communication, and taking care of the defensive end. If we do that, we give ourselves a chance to get another W.

Thanks Tore for the chat.

It Isn´t Malik Parsons Reloaded 2,0 or The Next Justin Cobbs But Simply Rookie Isaiah Swope Making His Own Identity With The Skyliners

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Pic credit: Dmitrij Zibart | ZIBART.DE

Ok so it´s only been 3 games and one never wants to jump the gun so early but is Skyliners rookie Isaiah Swope (178-PG-2003, college: St.Louis) Malik Parsons Reloaded 2,0 or possibly the next Justin Cobbs? When I first saw Swope play, he reminded me right away of Malik Parsons who was fifth best BBL scorer last season at 16,3ppg. He has that lightening speed that Parsons had, but seems to be more of a playmaker and better three point shooter. He knows exactly when to score and when to dish something that also Justin Cobbs mastered in Frankfurt as a rookie quickly and held on through out his professional career. Parson´s didn´t have as much success winning games, but through 3 games, point guard Isaiah Swope has shown his leadership skills leading the team to an early 2-1 record as this is the best start of the Skyliners organization since the 2017-2018 season where they began 5-1 under the guidance of World Cup champion coach Gordon Herbert. Back when Cobbs was a rookie, like Swope is, he helped lead Frankfurt from a 1-6 start into the playoffs and Eurochallenge Top 4. It is still early, but Isaiah Swope has a bit of both players and can simply play ball. But he isn´t really Malik Parson´s reloaded 2,0 or the next Justin Cobbs, but simply the Rookie Isaiah Swope looking to make his own identity as a professional player.

Isaiah Swope who lists Kevin Durant as his GOAT was born on April 22, 2003 in Newburgh, Indiana. He began his basketball career at Castle high school and as a senior averaged 22,2ppg, 3,8rpg and 3,9apg. He received a HS Associated Press Indiana All-State High Honorable Mention. He started his university career at the University of Southern Indiana (NCAA2) averaging 8.2ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 36.9%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 72.7% and 15.6ppg, 2.4rpg, 3.5apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 49.5%, 3PT: 42.3%, FT: 74.5%. He made a big jump in his second season and needed no adjustment time getting used to the NCAA. His head coach Stan Gouard was a big reason for him being able to make the next step so easily. “Having good veteran teammates my freshman year and when we transitioned from D2 to D1 I had a plan that summer of how I wanted to workout and what I wanted to get better at. Coach G allowed me to be myself and I am thankful for that”, stressed Isaiah Swope. In his first season in the NCAA 2 he scored in double figures 10 times, but when he moved up a level his minutes rose from 20 to 32 and he was a real scoring bucket. He scored in double figures in 25 of 33 games including 27 points against Semo and 26 points against Tenn Tech. Despite the losses, he had a great 28 point game in the win against his future school Indiana State. Was that performance his screen test for Indiana State? “I never knew I would end up going there but I truly believe that everything that happened was for a reason so in the most natural way maybe”, smiled Isaiah Swope. He picked up a All-OVC First Team selection and NABC Division I All-District 18 Second Team selection. He then moved to Indiana State where he continued his consistency as a player and averaged 15.9ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 73.6%. He played for veteran head coach Josh Schertz who left a massive lasting impression on him. “This season was extremely important because for the past two years of my career with Schertz I have been playing in a Pro system and without him I don’t think I could be here today”, warned Isaiah Swope. He was a walking bucket again scoring in double figures in 31 of 37 games including 30 points against UIC and 27 points against NIU. He was a vital performer in the successful run to the NIT final. Indiana State lost a heartbreaker to Seton Hall 79-77 where he contributed 19 points. Despite the loss, he will never forget the special group of teammates. “I just remember the overall journey and how close we were as a group. There is a reason we are all still close to this day”, commented Isaiah Swope. He picked up a All-MVC Second Team selection and was selected to the MVC All-Newcomer Team.

He then made one more move playing for Saint Louis University. Here he made another jump in his game averaging 17.1ppg, 3.2rpg, 4.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 75.6%. Not many players can say that they played for the same coach at 2 different schools, but for him being reunited with Josh Schertz was more than just a blessing. “Throughout everything I think it made the most sense to stay with him. In the end I’m glad we went through all the good/bad times together. I think it made us closer in the end. I learned a lot on and off the court and I’m forever grateful that we crossed paths in this journey of life”, explained Isaiah Swope. He scored in double figures in 27 of 33 games including 30 points apiece against Quinnipiac and Loyola MD. Was there one game that stands out most in his thoughts from there? “I don’t have one specific moment but I appreciate the journey and the small moments over time make everything memorable”, said Isaiah Swope. He didn´t only spend time with Josh Schertz at 2 schools, but also with future NBA player Robbie Avila. Did they become like brothers and did he see him as NBA material? “I didn’t know anything about Robbie Avila until I got to Indiana State. On the court he’s one of a kind and with a basketball he can go anywhere he wants to go with it. Many people don’t get the chance to actually know him as a person. He is one of the most real and genuine people you can meet and glad to call him my brother”, stressed Isaiah Swope. He picked up a All-Atlantic 10 Third Team selection who never played 1-1 against his then roommate Kobe Johnson.

The explosive guard who lists Kyrie Irving, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, Mike James, Trae Young, and Tremont Waters on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore for guards is playing his rookie season for easyCredit BBL team Skyliners. He saw so much in the NCAA at different schools and doesn´t take anything for granted and feels more than blessed to be able to call the Skyliners home. “I´m truly grateful and appreciative the Frankfurt Skyliners Organization that they have given me this opportunity to showcase my skills”, said Isaiah Swope. He did know a little about Germany before he came mainly because he was teammates with talented German player Kilian Brockhoff at Saint Louis. And was told that Germany is very multi-cultural and has a strong culture and passion for basketball. He couldn´t have come to a more cultural diverse city like Frankfurt and with head coach Klaus Perwas is playing for a person who is world champion. “I was more than aware of the legendary status of Coach Klaus and his basketball resume. I´m very appreciative to be able to be coached by him every day. He wants to win and cares about details”, warned Isaiah Swope. He is only 178cm, but that has never deterred him from reaching his goals. Has he heard any special lines about his height? “I’ve pretty much heard everything imaginable. I only focus on what I can control and throughout my career I’ve been able to prove myself right”, warned Isaiah Swope. Does he have a chip on his shoulder especially concerning his height? “I think it starts off with being aware that basketball is a tall sport. While also understanding the advantages that I can bring to impact winning and our team”, stated Isaiah Swope. A rare thing about him is that he doesn´t compare himself to anybody from the NBA. 99% of the guys I interview always have an answer to that question. If someone had asked me what I thought was his biggest strength, I would right away have said his speed and drive, but for him it is something totally different. “My biggest strength is being able to adjust. Basketball brings so many different situations in a game so being able to adjust on the fly sometimes can be pretty useful”, added Isaiah Swope. Through 3 easyCredit BBL games he is averaging 18,7ppg, 2,0spg, 4,3apg and 2,0spg while shooting an astronomical 58% from outside. He has picked his spots really well. What does he need to do to keep this shooting consistency up? “I just stay in the gym and stay the course throughout my workouts and the overall season”, warned Isaiah Swope. He is an incredible offensive player, but don´t let that overshadow his defensive game, because that is also an important staple in his game. “I can guard and I think my defense gets overlooked at times because of my offensive abilities”, warned Isaiah Swope. He has already taken the BBL by storm and knows exactly how his consistency will continue in the league. “Watching film has been one of the biggest areas that I have been focusing on”, stated Isaiah Swope. If Swope can be remembered as much as Justin Cobbs still has been 11 years since he played Frankfurt is unknown. An interesting side note is that Justin Cobbs is still playing now at age 34 as he is in his 12th professional season and has won 7 titles. However at the moment Isaiah Swope is only focused on taking his rookie season game by game and keep growing while being consistent and showing he can also be a leader

Ex Rick Pitino Player Robert Brown Just Keeps Grinding With Heart As He Aims To Climb The Ladder In Germany With Regionalliga Team Aschaffenburg Baskets

So what do Robert Brown (203-F-1998, college: TxWes) and Stanley Whittaker have in common? Not much other then that both are basketball players overseas. Brown hails from Texas while Whittaker from Pennsylvania. Brown is just at the start of his overseas career while Whittaker has carved out an incredible career having started in low leagues and reached the top leagues in Germany, Italy and Turkey. Brown on the other hand is also in a very low league called the Regionalliga in Germany which is the fourth division. However both have one similarity. Both played for legendary coaches. Whittaker played for Rollie Massimino at Keyser (NAIA) while Brown played for Rick Pitino at Iona (NCAA). Brown didn´t play a big role at Iona, but he took full advantage being able to learn from the ex Kentucky head coach every day during his 2 seasons there. According to http://www.ionagaels.com, Rick Pitino had said this about him. “Robert is a good shot blocker and rebounder with excellent potential. I look forward to developing his skills both on the perimeter and on the inside.” “Rick Pitino helped me with my confidence and making sure I would believe in myself even if I didn’t play. He still made sure I worked out and put in the work to keep my confidence up”, stressed Robert Brown. Both Whittaker and Brown played for legendary NCAA coaches and the question is will a Brown be able to also follow the same kind of a path as Stanley Whittaker and move up the ranks overseas? Robert Brown just keeps grinding with heart as he is starting at the bottom in Germany with Regionalliga team Aschaffenburg Baskets. “The grind was very difficult. There were some days where I wanted to get give up, but I knew one day my time will come so I just kept working. It’s been days where I didn’t get any call and felt like I was doing this all for nothing but I kept my head high and kept working towards my game to get noticed”, warned Robert Brown.

Robert Brown who lists Deandre Ayton as his toughest opponent in the NCAA and who witnessed Brown giving him a double double in high school was born on December 18th, 1998 in Dallas Texas. He got a lot of early basketball experience at different schools like Prime Prep Academy, Advanced Preparatory International and Cathedral High School in Los Angeles. He then departed for New Mexico State University (NCAA) in 2017 was red shirted and then played only 14 NCAA games from 2018-2020. “It was a shock coming out of high school. I’ve played at the highest level in high school with top players in the country such as, Terrence Ferguson, Billy Preston, and Trevon Duval coming into college humbled me but I kept working throughout the times I barely played and showed good spirits even though my time was yet to come”, stressed Robert Brown. His best moment there was scoring 10 points against CS Northridge. “That game showed me that I can play at any level despite my situation on playing time I made the best of it and it made me even play harder in practice because I know if I keep working it will pay off”, said Robert Brown. Somehow injuries were always an issue as was his shoulder in New Mexico and then at Iona, it was his ACL. “It was very hard after tearing my ACL. I lost confidence for a little bit but as I stated before I kept working knowing my story would somehow turn out great in the end but I also learned a lot throughout my years at Iona”, commented Robert Brown. He only played 8 games at Iona, but his fortune finally changed at his last stop at Texas Wesleyan University (NAIA) where he averaged 8.1ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 54.0%, FT: 62.5%. Was this the best basketball decision in his life? “It was the best decision I’ve made after all the years I been through with the previous college my coach took a chance on me with half a season and I’ve played some great games we had a lot of great players on that team”, remembered Robert Brown. He had some good games there scoring 19 points against WAU and 18 points against Langston. “The WAU game was my first game back since playing real minutes I didn’t take those games for granted at all those were some of the best times of my life”, expressed Robert Brown. There he had a trustworthy coach in Brennen Shingleton who always believed in his abilities. “He helped me a lot with my confidence and said it’s going to work out for me. He made sure I was in the gym 24/7 to reach my goal I couldn’t thank him more enough he believed in me when no other coach did ! I thank him so much for welcoming me home and let me express myself when it comes to game time”, remembered Robert Brown who remembered having dog fights in 1-1 in practice with Lamine Komara.

The Texas native who lists Jabari Rice, Berrick Jeanlouis, Terrell Brown, AJ Harris, and Josh Duach as his 5 best teammates of all-time has finally made it overseas playing with the Aschaffenburg Baskets in the fourth division. He has previous pro experience with the the West Virginia Grind (TBL) and played at the ESL Camp (Eurobasket Summer League in Las Vegas). Aschaffenburg is a pretty old city along the Main river and surely a lot different than the high paced life in Dallas. “My experience here has been great! New place to call home ! Met a lot of great people here very different from back home in Dallas as far as the culture and how everybody is really nice here and the time zone is a big difference for me but overall I was welcomed here with open arms”, smiled Robert Brown. Has it been a tough adjustment coming from the play in USA to the Euro game? “It’s been quite an adjustment way different than playing in the U.S. The pace of the game is way faster than I thought ! More physical for sure but other than that I am adjusting really well”, said Robert Brown. Even if he is a rookie overseas, he is one of the oldest on the team. “Most of the team is young I feel like I can help these guys get better everyday in practice and in games in certain situations they don’t understand and I feel like they can help me as well I can be the leader of the team by playing hard every game just setting the example every time I step on the court”, added Robert Brown.

The forward who lists Lebron James as his GOAT and Kevin Durant, LeBron James, James Harden, Paul George, and Magic Johnson on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is a 203cm forward that likes to compare his game to a Tim Duncan. “My touch around the rim is very unique I think that’s what separates me from most bigs”, said Robert Brown. Scoring the ball and hauling down rebounds aren´t his only strengths. I can also block shots and defend talking on defense making sure my teammates and myself are in the right spots ! But I feel like my strength is defending the low post”, stated Robert Brown. In Europe it is beneficial for bigs to be versatile and that includes having an outside game. Rick Pitino noticed early that Brown had potential with a three pointer. “I’ve been working on my outside game ever since I graduated at Iona, Coach Pitino put a lot of confidence in me to play more outside because he said my game can transfer in Europe I’ve been working on my midranges and three pointers for the time being”, stated Robert Brown. He doesn´t just want to be a solid defender, but a shot blocker that teams won´t want to face. “I can defend the low post and cover ball screens. I’m starting to time my blocks in the game I want to become an elite shot blocker”, warned Robert Brown. He continues to work on his three pointer and building more confidence in his face up game. Some Americans will play-2-3 years in low leagues while others will play a decade before heading home. Has he set a time table about how long he will play overseas and stay if things don´t work out? “I have no set time table on how long I want to play but I also want to have a great career overseas and enjoy it as much as I can my support from my family and friends will always be here for me no matter what”, warned Robert Brown who believes that they should have left the classic Coming to America alone. It will be interesting to see where Robert Brown´s journey will go in the next years. He definitely will need really good stats with Aschaffenburg and winning won´t hurt either. Brown´s grind continues in Germany, but he will keep going as his heart navigates how far he will go.

Dusan Nikolic(Skyliners Juniors) Wants To Prove He Is Ready For a Higher League And Be A Leader And Make A Difference This Season

Dusan Nikolic (191-PG-2005) is a 20 year old 190cm guard playing his fifth season with the Skyliners Organization. He played many years in the NBBL (U-19) team where he made big strides averaging 16.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 53.1%, 3PT: 23.8%, FT: 88.2% and PPG-5 (21.4), 5.0rpg, 3.0apg, 2.4spg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 76.5% in his last 2 seasons. Last season he played his first full season in the Pro B averaging 8.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 21.4%, FT: 78.0%. He is also injured, but will return to action soon. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Dusan for talking to germanhoops.com. Your injured at the moment. How did it occur?

I was very unfortunate getting injured during the first week of pre season. I suffered a foot injury.

What is your status and when will you be back in action?

I´m in the process of making a full recovery. I hope to be in action in the next weeks.

How is the rehab going? What have you been doing?

My rehab has been going well. I have done a lot of foot exercises as well as well as calf exercises.

On what areas of your game did you work on last summer?

I mostly worked on my shooting and getting my body stronger and on my athleticism.

What are your personal expectations coming into the 2025-2026 season?

My expectations are to be a leader and take on even more responsibility than last season. As a team we want to play aggressive and quick. We want to win as many games as possible.

Last season you made a big jump in the Pro B averaging 8/3/1. How did your game grow?

I got more experience and played with more confidence. I gained more responsibility with more minutes.

You became more of a leader. How did you see your development there?

My leadership skills grew with time. A big help was Philip Hadenfeld. When he left for his semester break, I fell into the roll of being a leader. My communication got a lot better.

Your three pointer is still a work in progress. Last season in the Pro B you shot 21%. Will you shoot better this season?

I hope so. New coach Markus Klusemann helped me a lot. We worked on my shot during the summer. He helped me with my mechanics first and then it was just reps, reps and reps. My shot feels good.

You had many big games last season like scoring 21 points against Coburg. What was your favorite game?

My favorite game last season was the home game against Ulm. I did a bit of everything in that game.

What is your impression of the 2025-2026 Skyliners Juniors?

This is a very interesting team. It is a lot younger than the last years. It will be exciting. We are young and wild.

The team is younger than ever. Will a lack of experience be a problem?

That is hard to say. I mean we are young, but enough guys who have played at the Pro B level. We won´t have the most experience in the league, but we will find ways to win.

What is your impression of massive 18 year old talent Lukas Smazak from the Czech Republic?

Lukas is very intelligent and has a good game. He has a great passing game and his shooting is underrated.

If Jamie Edoka and Ivan Crnjac are out, will you be the go to guy?

I don´t know. I hope so. My expectations for myself are that I would be.

What is your biggest wish this season as a player?

I just want to make another step in my game. I want to show and prove that I´m ready for the next step in a higher league. I want to be a leader and make a difference this season.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Jamie Edoka?

I win!

Thanks Dusan for the chat.

Could This Be The Best Pro A Season Ever For The EPG Baskets Koblenz? Why Not?

It is no secret that the last 2 seasons of the EPG Baskets Koblenz were nothing to brag about. In fact they were quite poor as both seasons ended with the club ending on the 16th position. Despite the non-success, the organization has always been ambitious. It is also no secret that the long term goal of the club is to play in the easyCredit BBL. Sport director Thomas Klein loves his team and will do anything to bring success. The last 2 seasons featured 2 coaches with Pat Elzie and Marco Van Den Berg that were able to bring in talented individual players, but that doesn´t guarantee winning. One hopes that one learns from it´s past mistakes. Thomas Klein´s first good mood was bringing in the success coaching duo from Rhondorf with Stephan Dohrn and KJ Sherril. My feeling that this season´s club could be a good one grew with every new signing that happened through out the summer. It seems like this time the club has learned from it´s past mistakes and have brought in the right mix from the guard position to the center position. My feeling that this could be a good season continues to be there as the team continues to grow in pre season. The team has individual talent, character and heart. “Almost every new player wants to prove themselves. They are all high character guys. They want prove themselves not with their ego´s, but as team players. They all want to play together”, warned EPG Baskets sport director Thomas Klein. This is thought was heightened simply by the type of players they have brought in. One can never be sure about the Americans, but with Calvin Wishart (188-G-1999, college: UCSB)t, Tim Smith Jr and Aleksa Kovacevic, the team has 3 winners. I will be bold and proclaim that this will be the best season ever for the EPG Baskets Koblenz. Ok one can only get better from landing on the 16th place the last 2 seasons, but still the Pro A is fiercely competitive where any team can beat any team on any night. The only place is up with this team and they will be better than 16th place. “I´m really looking forward to the season and have 100% a good feeling. I think the team is very homogeneous and we are stronger than the last 2 seasons. We are above average at the guard position. I think the team has shown that in pre season”, stressed Thomas Klein.

A big problem the last 2 seasons was the defense of the EPG Baskets Koblenz. At least last year they tried to focus and defend better and at times it worked, but as usual they never could truly establish a real defensive identity and 1-1 defense often hurt them most. In both seasons, they had the talent to score a lot, but still scored a lot less than what was expected. A big problem last season was the terrible three point shooting percentage. This season, the club wants to be able to combine offense and defense and be more consistent. If the formula worked once before in Rhondorf where Dohrn led the team to the Pro B title, why not do it again in Koblenz. “It’s pretty much the same concept here in Koblenz. With Stephan, he puts emphasis on defense. So we want that to be our identity, not just an offensive team. We know we can score, but we want to have consecutive defensive stops. That’s what wins games”, warned KJ Sherrill.. This season the club has really powerful guards with Wishart, Kovacevic, Hicks, and Buck, but also have very skilled big men who are very experienced. In the last years, the big men play wasn´t as focused on scoring. Will that change this season? “Our bigs maybe won’t be our outstanding scorers, but their presence under the basketball is what we need. Rebounding and being physical down low. Controlling the paint and setting good screens. With their experience, they are able to contribute to the game a whole lot and we are happy to have them with us”, stated KJ Sherrill. “We are very big especially at the positions 3-5, but even big at the position 2. We are very versatile and will play fast and be aggressive on defense”, warned Thomas Klein.

The clubs 2 best signings were most likely Calvin Wishartt and Aleksa Kovacevic. With Wishart, you have a motivated guard who showed last season that he was a top guard in the Pro B. He knows how to lead a team and is more than just a great offensive player, but gives all on defense. He could be a MVP candidate. Aleksa Kovacevic has BBL experience and is ready to have a great Pro A season so he can get back to the BBL. He played many years for Crailsheim and practiced on a daily basis with top BBL guards TJ Shorts, Trae Bell-Haynes and Dwayne Russell and learned from NBA coach Tuomas Iisalo. The Serbian is so hungry. He will rock the Pro A. Badu Buck has had his ups and downs as a pro, but had success with Dohrn in Rhondorf and will give important offensive qualities to the team, but most importantly leadership skills. Garrett Hicks comes to Koblenz after a strong rookie season in Georgia. Don´t let his Damian Lillard scoring fool you. He is more than that, but a guy who will do anything to help the team win. The team kept young guard Jacob Hanzalek from last season. He had trouble last season getting minutes and it won´t be easier this season, but he is a point guard that plays controlled that can hit the three pointer as well as make the big play on defense.

The team has a talented rotation at the forward position with 2 Germans and 2 Americans. Tim Smith Jr comes from the Dragons Rhondorf and has a great rookie season and wants to make the next step in the Pro A. He has shown in the pre-season that he can do that. He is a scorer and tenacious rebounder that is also an impact defender. He doesn´t talk much on the court, but leads by example. He most likely won´t have the Pro B stats, but will be consistent in the minutes he gets. He could be a glue guy type of player. DJ Jeffries came late to the team and is hungry for his pro break through. It is his first season overseas and he is more than motivated to have success after a very disappointing season in the G-League. His middle name could be Mr versatile as he fills the stat sheet with ease, but most importantly is a good defender that can guard many positions. He wants to be the next successful DJ in Koblenz. The team also brought in experienced Jonas Niedermanner. He like others on the team is very versatile and can shoot the three. The fan of Tadas Sedekerskis has 6 seasons of Pro A experience as well as BBL experience. Perhaps the most interesting signing was young 22 year old German Jannis Sonnefeld. After paying his dues in the Bamberg and Trier organizations, he had his Pro A break through in Paderborn last season averaging 9/7. He is also versatile and likes to shoot the three pointer. When describing the 2 centers Marko Bacak and Alex Moeller, all one can say is experienced. Bacak has 6 Pro A season experience and 4 BBL seasons with Oldenburg and was even teammates with BBL legend Rickey Paulding while Moeller proved in 5 Pro B seasons that he was a top center and during his 4 Pro A seasons was a solid role player. Bacak is another versatile big man that plays like Johannes Voigtmann while Moeller is the classic banger under the basket.

So what kind of a season will the EPG Baskets Koblenz have this season and where will they land? When looking at the schedule, one can´t say that they have an easy start. They have to face BG Goettingen and Crailsheim in the first 3 games. At least those games are at home. A good start would be ideal for the team. The club knows that you can´t look forward, but simply take it game by game in the Pro A. This should be a club that will average somewhere between 80-85 points. They also should be a strong rebounding team. They also should be a better three point shooting team after their horrible shooting season in 2024-2025. Scoring won´t be the problem, but can they be a well rounded defensive team? The club definitely have the versatility and good defensive players. It will be the job of the coaching staff to develop an identity quickly and then continue to develop it. “When you play fast and aggressive, you give the opponent more possessions. We will see more high scoring games than last season. Everybody thinks that coach Dohrn only concentrates on offense, but he is a very skilled defensive coach as well. I like how he really goes into detail”, warned Thomas Klein. I see this club having the potential of landing somewhere between 9-15. “I see us being somewhere between 10-12 this season”, added Thomas Klein. If they can develop through the season and refrain from getting injuries then they will have their best Pro A season ever.

In Klaus Perwas We Trust As Could This Be The Season Where The Skyliners Finally Make The BBL Playoffs Again?

Foto: Dmitrij Zibart | ZIBART.DE

It feels like an eternity since the last time the Skyliners made the easyCredit BBL playoffs. The last time the 2000 BBL cup winner reached the promised land not including the Covid season, they were led by the historic Gordon Herbert. Even if a guy like Gunnar Wobke surely could of predicted some things in the future when regarding Herbert, I’m sure nobody would ever have thought that the Canadian would be very responsible for the German national team having so much success. When the Skyliners bowed out to FC Bayern Munich in the spring of 2018, Franz Wagner was still a NBBL player, Isaac Bonga wasn’t even drafted by the NBA yet and Luka Doncic was still with Real Madrid. The Skyliners in the last 7 years have been an organization that have really struggled. It was even that bad, that the club had to play a season in the Pro A. The 2023-2024 was successful in that they moved right back to the BBL as that is definitely a feat. Teams like Bremerhaven, Giessen and Trier have stayed in the Pro A for years showing you can build yourself a rut in the Pro A.. Having enough money in the budget has always been a problem for the Skyliners. Often one reels in young Americans with little experience and just hope for the best. The best news story going into the 2025-2026 season is that they finally have Klaus Perwas as head coach. Perwas had always been the faithful assistant coach and once in a while even was interim head coach, but having the main responsibility was never his cup of tea. Somehow Wobke was able to persuade him to do the head coach job. Perwas is a coach that had been responsible for helping developing so many young Germans over the years and if there is 1 player that knows if Perwas can handle the head coaching job then it Skyliner legend Quantez Robertson who played there form 2009-2023. ‘ He was always cool and focused as an assistant coach. Now as head coach, we can see how he does everything his way. His defensive principles were always the same as Gordie Herbert. Now we will see how his offense will work. He has always been known as a defensive coach, but now we will see how the Skyliners offense works’, warned Quantez Robertson. With Perwas as head coach and a face lift with the roster, could this finally be the season again where the Skyliners make the playoffs?

You never really know what to expect when a club produces a fine house cleaning as they reeled in 7 new players. From the new players, the club have added a healthy mix of young and experience. But they also kept a healthy core from last year. Important is having that solid duo at the big positions with Lorenz Brenneke and Jacob Knauf. Both have experienced highs and lows over the years. Brenneke will bang inside while Knauf likes to sparkle form outside while also helping inside. The team added 2 really talented bigs with BBL experienced versatile Till Pape who played the last 2 years in Bonn and newcomer Ryan Hawkins who played in France and Italy the last 2 seasons and also sparkled with his versatile game while he shot 45% from outside in his last 2 seasons in the NCAA 2. The team also reeled in Radii Caisin and Jaedon LeDee for the forward positions. Casin played parts of 4 seasons in the BBL with 3 teams and played 96 BBL games, but never averaged more than 3,3ppg in a season. After 2 successful seasons with BC Raiffeisen Flyers Wels (Austria-BSL) where he averaged 18.8ppg, 7.6rpg, 3.1apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 82.2% last season, he is hungry for his BBL break through this season. With LeDee, the Skyliners could have a guy that will be one of their consistent scorers in the season while also grabbing many rebounds. He played his rookie season in the G-League and reached the NCAA final in 2023 with San Diego State University.

The Skyliners are also very deep and talented at the guard position. Going into the season, they have 3 players with BBL experience with Garai Zeeb, Will Christmas and Marcus Domask. Zeeb is going into his 7th season with Frankfurt and has 147 BBL games under his belt. He is a great team player that will give effective minutes form the bench. Christmas is like a mini Cinderella story. He began in the Pro B and via Luxemburg reached the BBL and became a solid player player. He fills the stats sheet and is a consistent scorer while Domask already had a short tour of duty last season with Frankfurt. He is another versatile player that has G-League experience and showed last season that he needs no adjustment time to the BBL. The club also added 3 more guards with 2 with no experience overseas with Logan Johnson and Isaiah Swope and Nahiem Alleyne who has experience in Greece and Poland and played at 3 NCAA schools including UConn and Virginia Tech. Johnson is probably one of the more interesting signings as he is the point guard and will run the team. His dunking and athleticism may stand out, but he knows how to lead a team a she showed as a rookie with the Oklahoma City Blue averaging 10.7ppg, 3.4rpg, 4.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 25.6%, FT: 76.1%. Isaiah Swope is a rookie and showed at 3 schools in the NCAA that he could adapt to any coach averaging 16/3/3 in his last 3 years. He is quick and gets to the hoop well. This could be Malik Parsons’s 2,0. Alleyne is a great shooter that averaged 38% from down town in 3 years at Virginia Tech. But as a rookie overseas had growing pains. The gritty defender is hungry for his overseas break through in Frankfurt. The Skyliners also have 2 talented young Germans with Ivan Crnjak and Jamie Edoka who had solid Pro B seasons in 2024-2025 and are planned for the main BBL rotation. However this Skyliners roster is talented and deep. The question is will they anything besides garbage time minutes this season?

So what will be the fate of the Skyliners this season. The excitement is massive simply because Klaus Perwas is the head coach from day 1 of a season. He has been known for being a coach who prides his team to play defense. One saw that philosophy under Gordon Herbert and with Denis Wucherer in the Pro A. It will be interesting to see how he wheels and deals with the offense. The club definitely have offensive weapons and should score much on a consistent level and it will be interesting to see how well the players are able to identify and accept their roles. The team has valuable shooting players but a team also with big men who finish at the paint. One can only hope they become more than just a shooting team. With the athleticism, the team should play fast as well. The team should be an above average rebounding team and sky is the limit at the defensive end. The club has many hungry players that will want to produce and have to not only execute on the offensive end. The Skyliners aren’t the only club with many new players, but there are so many other teams with the same scenario with new players. The question is always how well can these new guys get integrated to the easyCredit BBL and how well can the coach develop that correct team chemistry. The Skyliners have many guys with LeDee, Swope and Johnson where the potential to be successful is great. That is one of the exciting aspects to every season. Can some of these BBL newcomers break out or will they be flops. The Skyliners schedule in the first month is difficult to evaluate as it is hard to rate how well an Oldenburg and Ludwigsburg will play as they have many new faces. However MBC and Braunschweig are teams that have had success recently and won’t be cake walks. A good start to a season is always beneficial. Predicting where the Skyliners will finish is never easy. However I will bold enough to say that they won’t be 17th or 16th in May 2026. I see this team being a club that could be one on of the surprise teams this season, if many things go right and they aren’t hit by the injury bug. I see them somewhere from 8-14. It is finally time again for the faithful Skyliners fans to have joy again. The suffering in the last years simply has been to long There is that famous phrase on the US 1 $. In God we trust. Skyliner fans should etch ‘In Klaus Perwas we trust’.