Radii Caisin (198-SG-2001) is a 24 year old 198cm shooting guard playing the 2025-2026 season with the Frankfurt Skyliners. He played the last 2 seasons with BC Raiffeisen Flyers Wels (Austria-BSL) averaging 12.7ppg, 5.6rpg, 2.1apg, Steals-5 (1.7spg), FGP: 57.5%, 3PT: 28.4%, FT: 83.3%and 18.8ppg, 7.6rpg, 3.1apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 82.2%. He played parts of 4 seasons in the easyCredit BBL with teams MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg, MBC and Crailsheim. He played 3 seasons in the Rasta Vechta organization. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big 80-75 win over the MLP Academics Heidelberg
Congrats Radii on the big 80-75 win in Heidelberg. How urgent was this game to win after the tough loss to FC Bayern Munich? The way we put the Munich game in the sand and then had to play against one of the worst teams in the BBL, this game was urgent for us. You have to win these kind of games. It wasn´t our best game in Heidelberg. We won more with will than beauty.
The MLP Academics have had a tough season and lost very badly to Bonn a few days ago. How key was it for the team to go into the game not to underestimate them?
It was a big challenge coming to their place and playing against a team that lost very badly against Bonn. Plus one import was released by them and another was injured. They had nothing to lose. They played with 120% against us something they didn´t do in their last games. They did a good job staying with us. We had to take them very seriously.
This was a very rare game where it was really back and forth for 38 minutes. Have you ever had a game like this that was so tight for almost 40 minutes?
I actually have played games like this where it went back and forth. In these type of games it is simply important to get stops. We did that in crunch-time at the right moment.
Damariae Horne got going right away in the first quarter and finished with 32 points. What made it so difficult to contain him? We knew going in that he was one of their key players. He had even more weight on his shoulders with 2 less imports. He may have had a few easy looks, but he is still a very talented player. We were a bit behind on some cuts and pin downs. That gave him holes to score easier.
Isaiah Swope made big buckets in the last minutes of the first quarter to keep Frankfurt close and trailing 19-18 after 10 minutes. Have you ever played with such a consistent dominant player that brings his A game every game?
I actually have played with players like Swope. When I was in Vechta there were guys like Austin Hollins and TJ Bray that could score every game the way Isaiah does. You simply know exactly what you get from guys like that. There can always be days where their shots don´t fall, but we s a team always trust them to shoot.
The Skyliners led 36-33 at the break. Heidelberg had allowed over 100 points the last 2 games, but defended a lot better against you. What adjustments did they make on the defensive end?
I don´t think that it was so much on them, but more on us. We just couldn´t play our game and didn´t have great ball movement. We held the ball too long at times and took shots near the end of the shot clock. We just didn´t play good offense. We only had 2 fast break baskets at the break. Transition is our game and we weren´t able to play it as much as we wanted.
Till Pape was back and made big baskets in the third quarter. What extra dimension did he give the team that it didn´t have against Munich?
He gives us more height. When he isn´t on the floor, our inside game suffers as does our rebounding. Without Till, we are simply too one dimensional.
Heidelberg led 59-57 after 30 minutes. What did Klaus Perwas tell the team to do going into the fourth quarter?
At that moment it was all about who wanted it more. Klaus told us that we had too stay together and give that last push and get stops. He wanted us to defend and play with will.
The turning point came when you hit a trey and Isaiah Swope a three at the 1,43 minute mark to lead 74-70. What was key in crunch-time for getting the win? Defense and will won us the game. We got key rebounds and contained Williamson better. We also controlled second chance points. We also forced turnovers. When that happens, it is a lot easier to play offense.
The Skyliners next play Rostock. What will be key to getting the win?
We have to heighten our defense after the way we played against Munich. We can´t give up easy baskets. We have to paly our game more and go back to our roots against Rostock.
You had a 8/3 game in 19 minutes. How content were you with your game?
It was ok. The second half was better than the first half.
Your averaging 6/3 stats in 17 minutes. You always give needed energy from the bench. Did your 2 years in Austria pay off for you?
Yes 100% it has paid off for me. In Austria my role was different, but I still had to show what I can do on the court to reach the easyCredit BBL level. Everything fits well with Klaus Perwas.
Your averaging 15 minutes less than last year in Wels. You have never taken more than 4 shots in a game this season. How challenging is shot selection for you? Are you looking and trying to take the perfect shot every game?
In a way yes. The shots that Isaiah Swope take may not be ideal, but he is allowed to take them. I won´t take those type of shots. I took shots like that last season, but don´t need to this season. My game is simple with the Skyliners. I have the green light to take open shots from the three point line or closer. I can also attack closeouts, but not create my own shots.
You give a lot of energy on the court. What else would you like to show more on the court that you haven´t been able to show yet?
I just try to improve step by step. I know I can show more, but with this team I don´t have to in the role that I have. I´m still young and still have time to show more in the next years.
Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Will Christmas? I do.
What are your new years resolutions?
I want to become more disciplined off the court and read more books. On the court to invest more and grow step by step.
Raymond Cowells is a 35 year old 191cm guard from Minnesota playing his 13th professional season and 6th in Poland and first with Trefl Sopot (Poland-OBL). He has celebrated a real basketball globetrotter career having played in countries like Holland, Canada, New Zealand, Finland, France and Hungary while strapping on the jersey for 13 organizations. He began his basketball career at Hopkins high school and then played 130 NCAA games for Santa Clara(NCAA) between 2009-2013. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Europe Cup game against the Rostock SeaWolves.
Thanks Raymond for talking to germanhoops.com. Your in your 12th professional season and in your 7th season. Back at Santa Clara you were teammates with Kevin Foster who was a walking bucket in the NCAA averaging 19,0ppg every season where you were there. His career overseas was very short. If someone had told you in 2013 after Santa Clara(NCAA) that you would still be grinding overseas in 2025 what would you have thought?
Kevin did have a talent to put the ball in the basket. As for your question. I would have believed them. I know how hard I worked to get to where I was in college and I intended to work that hard or even harder as a Professional.
Even if you have played in 7 countries in 13 seasons, you have spent half your career in Poland. Has Poland become like a second home for you?
Yes, Poland is my second home. My beautiful Fiancee is Polish. I have learned to love the culture and landscape. I have also found a way to help the polish basketball youth and any players that want to come through Poland. Mainly in Warsaw.
Your playing your first season with Trefl Sopot (Poland-OBL). What kind of an experience has it been for you. You won the double 2 seasons ago and Trefl Sopot (Poland-OBL) have won a few titles the last few years. What kind of a feeling do you have with this years team concerning adding new rings?
I have great feelings with this Team! The organization and team culture of winning is present and alive here. I am very excited to see what we can accomplish this season.
You’re a very experienced player that has been a consistent scorer wherever you have been. This season you have many other talented guys around you? Your still putting up solid stats at age 35. What exactly is your role this season besides being a mentor?
My main role is to play basketball. I am on the team to contribute and shoot the ball like I have always done. I still have a lot to bring to a team even at my age. Which is only a number. Mentor is for sure part of it, but I wouldn’t put too much weight on that word. It’s more of a lead by example situation. I am always there for the guys if they need me for advice, secrets, or just to vent too.
You have been an amazing three point shooter and have shot 40% or better in a season in Holland, France, Finland, Poland, Basketball Champions League and Fiba Europe Cup. What has been your personal secret to being able to shoot so well in so many different places and competitions?
My personal secret isn’t really a secret, most shooters and great players already know this. It is the unwavering belief in yourself and the repetitions over the years that get you through anytime as professional. This is what keeps you shooting the ball well, or from being in a slump to having that break out shooting game.
You also have been an amazing free throw shooter shooting above 90% many times. Is the 90/50/40 mark something you shoot for?
I have goals in mind and they are higher than the 90/50/40 mark. If I ever get below 90/50/40 then I will use that as a mark. Until then I am just trying to make all the shots I take.
Last season you played with MKS Dabrowa Gornicza (Poland-OBL) averaging 14.0ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT-4(95.1%). What kind of an experience was it playing for this organization? What did you enjoy most about this season?
This season was a rollercoaster of emotions. It is very hard to describe and as you can see I didn´t shoot that well from 3 point land. However, we completed our goal and I learned a lot about myself as a player and person. So I am forever grateful for this experience and every experience. There was something special about playing to stay in the league. It always becomes more meaningful when you have a clear goal as a team.
In 2023-204, you played with Legia Warszawa (Poland-OBL) averaging 8.9ppg, 2.0rpg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 89.7%. This was your second tour of duty with them. You played King in the playoffs and your minutes were drastically reduced. What memories do you have of that playoff series?
That was a tough series for me professionally. Until this day I do not know why my minutes decreased or what circumstances lead to me not playing as much. All I could do was look in the mirror, remember that I am a great player, and keep working to make sure that I don’t ever end up in a situation like that again.
In 2022-2023 you won the double with Falco-Vulcano Energia KC Szombathely (Hungary-A Division) averaging 12.2ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 39.9%, FT: 82.5%. You beat Arconic-Alba in the finals and scored 22 points in game 4. What was so special about this team?
This was a great learning season for me as it was the first time that I ever came off the bench and I realized it’s not about if you start. It’s about how you impact the game. I realized that my impact could be could be the same or even better from the bench and I adjusted my mindset to do just that. The atmosphere of the team was a winning attitude and everyone could feel that. We all worked toward that goal of winning a championship from day 1 and that´s what made my time there special.
You played the 2021-2022 season with Legia Warszawa (Poland-EBL) averaging 14.2ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.2apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 41.9%, FT: 84.7%; and in the FIBA Europe Cup averaged 15.2ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.6apg, SPG-5(1.7), FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 41.3%, FT: 84.2%. You had a strong series against Slask, but lost. You lost 3 close games. What made it so hard to get over the hump?
This was a great year for me personally and the team we had was strong and we put it together at the right moments. Going into the finals we suffered a couple of injuries within our team and we were exhausted from trying to play multiple roles and minutes that we were used to going up against a fully loaded team in Slask. It was a series that is hard to forget and leaves a lot of “what if’s” in your mind as a player.
Except for a short stay in France you played with PGE Spojnia Stargard Szczecinski (Poland-EBL) from 2019-2020 averaging PPG-4(18.3), 5.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 37.3%, 3PT: 43.7%, FT: 80.5% and 13.5ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 42.1%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 75.6%. What was so special about this organization? You played 2 seasons with them something you didn´t do so often in your career?
This was an opportunity that I had to take full advantage of. I built a good relationship with the city and with the management as also had unfinished business because the covid year was right in between these seasons. I didn’t think I would end up in Poland after playing in France the year before and didn’t think I would find myself back with the same team. However, It goes to show you how unpredictable this life can be for a foreign basketball player trying to create a career. I took was I was given and started to go where I was appreciated and celebrated. Rather than chasing the money or the big clubs.
In your second season you dropped 28 points in a win over Anwil with 8 three´s. Is that a game you remember or are there simply too many games that have occurred in your career?
I remember most of my big games as I think any player would. I didn’t realize until later how big that performance actually was. I have always felt like I belong and that I am one of the better shooters in any league. So when I have a performance like this I feel it is normal until I look back and understand that these games don’t happen everyday.
After paying your dues early in your pro career in Holland and Finland, you then made the next step to a top league in Europe with the Pro A in France where you played two seasons. The first stop was Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket (France-ProA) where you averaged 15.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.2apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 38.8%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 76.5%. How did you like the Pro A? You proved right away that you could hold your own with anyone.
This was one of the more proud moments in my career. To make it to this league and to be able to prove to myself that I was indeed as good as I thought I could be. We know the French league is not short on talent. So to be able to play against some of the best that that ended up playing in euroleague or even NBA is a special moment for me. I am lucky to be able to have had such an opportunity.
In your second season you played with Boulazac Basket Dordogne (France-Jeep ELITE ProA) averaging 9.4ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 42.6%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT-1(96.4%). You had many great games in both seasons. What was your fondest moment there?
I would have to say the best moment for me was when I made the classic toss of the back out of bounds play for an and 1 against a solid contender in the league. Its small but it´s something that I will never forget. We were also only 1 win away from making the playoff and history for the club as they had only been in the top league for 2 years at that point.
You twice played NBA Summer League with Memphis in 2015 and 2017. What memories do you have of both times. The NBA looked different then than now. Back then you had older guys playing whereas now it seems like it´s all very young guys.
This was an experience that you dream of! I just remember coming out for warm up an seeing greats like, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and many others just waiting to see who was going to put on a show. The competition was great and the experience was better than your best dream.
You also played a season with the Helsinki Seagulls (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 14.7ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 41.8%, 3PT: 40.6%, FT: 84.5%. You were teammates with the great Jason Conley that had some fine seasons in Germany. What memories do you have of him?
Jason was a great guy first and foremost and college basketball legend. So to be able to have him on my team as a veteran was everything I needed. He gave me a lot of wisdom and always reminded me to enjoy and have fun on my journey because it wouldn’t last forever.
You also played a season with the Mike Pero Nelson Giants (New Zealand-NBL) averaging 25.7), 5.0rpg, 2.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 37.2%, FT-2(87.8%). What kind of an experience was it playing in New Zealand and living there? What was your most memorable experience off the court?
This was a one of a kind season for me. The people in New Zealand are beyond friendly and relaxed. They treat you like family and show that life is to be lived. Not just to grind so hard that you can’t enjoy a coffee or brunch with family and friends. It was bigger than just basketball in that city. It was a true community with history and landscapes that everyone in the world should try to see in person. I remember my time when the team took me to a natural spring spewed out from the middle of a mountain. I can’t remember the name but it was a spiritual and fulfilling experience that I will never forget.
You played your rookie season with the The Bright Kings Den Helder (Holland-Eredivisie) averaging 10.1ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.1spg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 43.5%, FT: 85.5%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home?
My wake up call, that made me realize that I wasn’t in California anymore, was getting off the plane and not understanding a single word. The jet lag along with the crazy spelling of signs had me tired for at least a month. There were so many different things. The size of the stadiums to the snacks that were considered customs. All of these things came as a complete culture shock that I soon learned that I needed to welcome and adapt to if I was going to find some sort of comfort in a foreign land.
You played at Santa Clara University (NCAA) from 2009-2013 playing a total of 130 NCAA games. You scored more than 1000 points in your career there. You had some big games in the NCAA like scoring 20 points in a 65-64 win over Villanova or having 2 good scoring games in losing causes to Gonzaga What would you rate as your biggest achievement in the NCAA?
Our biggest achievement as a team was winning two championships in the lesser know end of season college tournaments. The CBI and CIT. Personally, I remember having a huge game in the 76 classic tournament that was nationally televised so all of my family and friends could watch.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Kevin Foster?
This was a battle that never ended. He was an amazing talent that could shoot the lights out as well. If you as me it was close but as the coach saw it he was better so he got the start and bigger green light over me.
Who is the toughest player that you faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?
So many tough players to name, from Klay Thompson to a young Kawhi Leonard. I think a player that was toughest was Steven Gray from Gonzaga. He knew what kind of player he was at an early age and had the size and skill to play against anyone.
Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?
Ray Allen (because he was the player I studied the most and idolized, especially young Ray)
Jalen Brooks (196-F-1999, college: LSUS) is a 24 year old 196cm forward from Baton Rouge, Louisiana that is a professional player playing overseas playing his third pro season and first with Salon Vilpas (Finland-Korisliiga) currently averaging 17,5ppg, 9,5rpg, 2,0apg, 1,6spg and 1,0bs. Last season he played with BBC Nyon (Switzerland-SBL) averaging 21.6ppg, Reb-2 (11.3rpg), 1.8apg, Steals-1 (2.6spg), FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 69.9%. He played his rookie season with the Shreveport Bossier Knights (ABA) and Corsarios Cartagena (Colombia-Liga) averaging 15.8ppg, Reb-4 (8.5rpg), 1.6apg, Steals-2 (2.3spg), FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 53.8%. He began his basketball career at Woodlawn high school and then played 4 seasons at Southern Arkansas University (NCAA2). He then finished at Louisiana State University at Shreveport (NAIA) averaging 22.5ppg, 11.1rpg, 2.0apg, 1.6spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 50.1%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 68.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Jalen for talking to eurobasket.com. You completed your second pro season overseas and first with BBC Nyon (Switzerland-SBL) averaging 21.6ppg), Reb-2 (11.3rpg), 1.8apg, Steals-1 (2.6spg), FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 29.0%, FT: 69.9%. How good was the feeling of breaking out and having an incredible season after your tough rookie season?
The feeling was mind blowing I knew what I was capable of but coming back after the injury was next level I really loved playing for the team and supporters in Switzerland.
You had signed with BBC Nyon in 2023 for that season, but didn´t play. Weren´t you mentally ready then? What exactly happened in your first tour of duty? My first year was like a bittersweet moment been so far from home for the first time but also experiencing a new culture and way of living. I was playing in a friendly game (scrimmage) where I tipped the ball to get a steal so I go to save the ball from going out of bounds and my leg just extended back causing me to tear my meniscus in my left knee.
How tough was not playing there where your brother Devante had once played? It was tough but the club made it easy for me because of my brother they welcomed me as if I was there before many players and my opponents knew him as well so it was a full circle moment where I just had to get comfortable.
You had a great 24-25 season. You left off from your great NAIA season. How did your game grow another step in Switzerland?
Switzerland helped me see the court better it gave me a better way to approach the game. If it’s finding a way to help my team win or finding a way to score and get my teammates open.
You helped BBC Nyon reach the playoffs, but got swept by Massagno in the playoffs. You had 2 explosive games in game 2 and 3, but your team was beat badly. What did you learn about yourself and the game in the last 2 games?
I learned that if I want to avoid that next time I should take more control and be more of an leader to a group of young guys like that. The last 2 games I changed my mindset to attack mode which only helped me as a player not my team so yes I have to learn to get my team going as well.
You had many great games last season including some 30 point games. What was your fondest moment on the court with BBC Nyon last season?
My fondest moment on the court was the Swiss Cup game we just came back from 20 against a good Pully team to get there and it was everything the coaches talked about even though we lost the experience was mind blowing we fought until the buzzer one of the funniest games I had the pleasure of playing.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 196cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description? If I had to compare I’ll say my game is like a Josh Hart type of playing where I can play on both sides of the ball grab rebounds and get steals just a dog on the court who does what he can to give his team a chance to win.
The first thing that really stands out in your game is your scoring and rebounding. What other assets does your game incorporate?
Yes I’m a type of player that the little things I do don’t show up on the stat sheet but I´m great at reading the game getting in passing lanes and just being athletic while being a vocal leader on the court if I need to set the tone for the team that’s what I’m for even if that’s taking a charge getting a stop or if that’s dunking the ball giving my team momentum for the game I’m just a player who does what it takes to win giving us extra possession on the offensive glass just whatever it takes.
You’re an incredible rebounder for your height. What is your secret? Simply effort? I don’t think there’s no secret some people say the ball falls right in my hands where I say it’s just the effort and the will to just go after it. It’s one of the talent and gifts God bless me with it’s a great advantage for the game.
Is it fair to say that your three pointer is still a work in progress? Is it just reps that will help you improve or are you always thinking of other ways like mechanics in trying to help it get better? It’s just reps and mentally getting stronger. My shoulder always gave me problems where I was undecided to shot or not at any moment it just started back with the pain. I had talks with my physio about it and he said I just need to get my shoulder muscles stronger. I feel I’m a great 3pt shooter just didn’t have a fair chance to show case it yet but I been working on my shoulder and preparing for the next season
Your also a very aggressive defender. Talk a little about what kind of a defender do are right now and what kind of defender that you still want to become? I’m a good on ball defender but I’m a great off ball defender if that makes sense I like to get in passing lanes help defense coming over blocking shots instead of a good on ball defender I want to be an elite defender just a pest on ball.
On what areas of your game are you still working on most now so you can improve your game? Ball handling shooting and just the IQ for the game knowing when to shoot attack or find the open teammate.
You played your rookie season with Corsarios Cartagena (Colombia-Liga Wplay) averaging 15.8ppg, Reb-4 (8.5rpg), 1.6apg, Steals-2 (2.3spg), FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 53.8%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home? The coach only spoke Spanish so everything had to be translated to me literally everything and there were only two players who could translate what he was telling me. Some teammates on the court couldn’t communicate with me because they didn’t know English and I couldn’t understand what they were trying to tell me because I didn’t know any Spanish at that moment I knew I was far away from home. I couldn’t understand nothing at all but I managed to get through with the little I did know.
What kind of an experience was Columbia basketball wise. How would you rate the league? Many Americans like playing there. It was a great experience especially coming back after my injury I like the league very competitive great fans and supporters the atmosphere was definitely next level good teams from top to bottom.
How valuable was it having a guy like RJ Gunn as a teammate? He was a young buck like you who also played NCAA 2, but has reached a high level now in Europe in Germany? It was valuable. He came in with his scoring and athleticism to help the team win some tough games even though I didn’t play many games with him definitely enjoyed sharing the court with him he knows how to win.
You have experience also playing in the ABA? That has got to be a tough grind? Is that everybody for themselves trying to do anything to reach a higher league? Yes you can say that I played a game or 2 just to get my rhythm back after finishing up my recovery. It was definitely a grind most of the players on the team I kind of had an idea who they were two of them I actually grew up with so I just used it to get the feeling back for the game and see where it was on the court before going back overseas
You played at Southern Arkansas University (NCAA2) from 2018-2022 where you were very consistent in 105 games. How valuable were these years in your basketball development under head coach Andy Sharpe? How did he elevate your game to the next level? It was very valuable teaching me the defensive principles of the game which helped me become a much better defender and he also had me communicating more on and off the court. He just put us in position to win and finish close games. Coach Sharpe gave me that defense DNA that’s what he was all about.
You had many great achievements at SAU like reaching the GAC final and other great games. What was your fondest moment there? My fondest moment was winning freshman of the year. It was a great accomplishment for me after overcoming a lot in the beginning of the year and with me coming in on a team that was full of vets and already established.
You then took a step back and played at Louisiana State University at Shreveport (NAIA) averaging 22.5ppg, 11.1rpg, 2.0apg, 1.6spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 50.1%, 3PT: 36.2%, FT: 68.8%. Why did you go from a NCAA 2 school to a NAIA school? You had 2 reasons for doing this. Was this a classic move of taking a step back to move 2 steps forward? I wanted something different. Coach Kyle had been recruiting me since Highschool and I always saw great players succeed under him players like Jeff Garret and Coach Dp. I would say it was definitely a classic move without my season at Lsus I doubt I would even be playing overseas so I’m thankful for that moment. I’m a firm believer in everything happens for a reason.
You became a classic scorer at LSU at Shreveport after being more of a defender and hustler at SAU. How did your game grow in your last season? Since highschool I was a scorer when I went to college they already had scores like my brother Devante Brooks one of the elite scores. I knew I had to do something different if I wanted to be on the court with him I had to help out in a different way so I mainly focused on defense. When I left there I wanted to find a team where I can showcase my full game and strength so I went to LSUS where a Shreveport native and Hall of Fame Coach Blankenship put the ball in my hands and trusted in me to lead a team full of new players. I had the opportunity to be a leader teammate scorer and defender all in one season I felt like a complete player.
You reached the NAIA Sweet 16. What do you remember of that run and from the tough loss against Idaho College?
I remember the great tournament games leading on to the sweet 16 my teammates stepping up and leading the way unfortunately we faced a good team that was more familiar with each other and knew how to win.
You had so many great games, but was your 38/15/3/4/5 in the win over Xavier LA one of your best and fondest
Yes that’s was definitely one of the best games thus far in my career by far still a unbelievable stat line I think that game just showcased my all around game in what I’m capable of doing.
How valuable was head coach Kyle Blankenship for you? Is it fair to say that he gave you the keys to the team in 2022-2023? Coach Blankenship was one of kind I still thank him for the opportunity till this day. It’s absolutely fair to say he gave me the keys and I hope I didn’t let him down. I played every game until the end doing whatever it took to get us the win.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Stacey Thomas? Me and Stacy didn’t play to much 1 on 1 but I think he know I’d win hahaha.
Who is the toughest player that you ever battled on the court that reached the NBA? One of the toughest players was hands down Jared Butler.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Devante Brooks
Willie Reed
Cj Elkins
Telvin Thomas
Tra’micheal Moton
Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?
Kevin Durant
Michael Jordan
Stephen Curry
LeBron James
Who is your GOAT? Kevin Durant
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? Yes I saw it I definitely think they should leave it alone
Marko Djordjevic (200-PF-2003) is a 22 year old 200cm forward playing his first season with Orange Acemdy. He began his basketball career with Sudhessen and also played a season with Alba Berlin (NBBL. He played 2 seasons with the White Wings Hanau and the last 2 seasons with the Ahorn Camp BIS Baskets Speyer (Germany-ProB) averaging 4.5ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.3apg and 12.4ppg, 7.6rpg, 3.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 17.7%, FT: 60.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big 73-72 win against Leitershofen
Congrats Marko on the big 73-72 win against Leitershofen. Did this win feel extra special since you made winning free throw? Thanks. Yes it did. Every player wants to win a game sometime on the last shot. Even if mine was a free throw, it was just as important.
Was that the first winning points of your career? In a 5-5 game it was. But I had one in a similar situation in 3 X3. It was between 2 teams in Hessen.
Orange Academy won the first quarter 19-14. How vital was setting the tone early despite Leitershofen battling back in the second quarter? It was very important for us to start like that being able to set the tone. We are a team that always wants to make the first punch.
Endurance AIyamenkhue gave great energy with a lay in and dunk back to back. How valuable is he on every possession?
He does such a great job in every game. He is so valuable at both ends of the court. He fights every game and does a great job rebounding and setting screens. He does a great job against stronger and older players.
Leitershofen went on a lethal 21-2 run in the second quarter to lead 36-26. Leitershofen is a explosive team, but what happened on the defensive end that allowed this turn in the game? We are a young team and we tend to have black outs at certain times of a game. But we are good at reacting against runs and being able to recover well. Our fight and energy always gets us back on track.
Joel Cwik then made 3 baskets in a row and Orange Academy only trailed 41-33. He is your Swiss army knife. He does so much on the court, but do you feel like his scoring sometimes gets underrated? I don´t think that his scoring gets forgotten. He can score and so can every guy on our team. Every player can score 20 points on any given night. We have a good balance in scoring. Joel played really good defense in the last few games.
What did head coach Florian Flabb tell the team to do better in the second half?
He told us we had to come out the same way did to start the game. They had outrebounded us at half-time. He wanted us to be more aggressive on the glass and bring more energy. Those 2 things helped us a lot in the second half.
Orange Academy struck back in the third quarter starting on a 17-4 run to lead 50-46. Did the team follow Flabb´s instructions the way he wanted it? We definitely followed his words. We were able to start like we did in the first quarter.
Orange Academy led 58-56 after 3 quarters. Jason George made some big baskets for Leitershofen How valuable is it for the Pro B to have a exceptional player like Jason George playing there? He is a very good player. I already played against him many years ago. I think that having him in the Pro B is an enrichment for all as all can get better playing against him. He really has an incredible skill set. He can do a bit of all.
The fourth quarter was a real dog fight. Young German Teo Millicic with 12 seconds to play to give Orange Academy the 71-70 advantage. How good is this kid? How mature is he for his age? Teo is a really good player. I really like his style and how he plays. He is a very smart player. His mentality is already very well developed for his age. He has shown this season that he can really help us in the clutch. As a playmaker he is always calm and has a high Iq.
Brian Dawson followed with a lay in to give Letershofen the 72-71 lead with 6 seconds to go. You got fouled. You made the first and missed the second. You are in general a solid free throw shooter. Did the pressure get to you a bit? To be honest I didn´t feel pressure at all. I had a good feeling shooting both. I came to the line with confidence, because I have been shooting the ball well this season. I missed the shot. It fell a little short. That can always happen.
You got the offensive rebound and got fouled again. Do you feel like Leitershofen didn´t expect you to miss?
I don´t know. I have to give credit to Endurance for hustling so well and showing his toughness against 3 opponents. He made the big play tipping the ball to me
You then missed the first free throw and had to make the second for the win. What was going through your head then?
I felt good again despite missing the last one. I was confident, because all I needed to do was make 1 of 2 free throws. They called a time out and I had a lot of time to think about my free throws. The first one felt good, but it was in and out. The second one also felt good and I knew it would go in when I released it.
You made the free throw and sealed the win. Do you have to still get donuts? I didn´t have to get donuts. Every player congratulated me after the game. It felt good.
The team got 54 rebounds and 17 offensive rebounds. Was that the team´s best stat of the game?
I think rebounding was our biggest stat of the game. Rebounding is a big strength of ours. We lead the league in rebounding. Our rebounding changed the game for us.
Orange Academy has started off great like FC Bayern Basketball. What is the team´s biggest strength besides chemistry and knowing each other? We are very young, but have so much talent. We have a good chemistry, but when we add our energy to it, we are even stronger. I feel like if we can bring both consistently in games, then we will be in the top 4 of the league.
The team next play the Dresden Titans. They are only 2-6. How sure that you won´t underestimate them and what will be key to winning the game?
We can´t underestimate them even if they only won 2 games. Everybody can beat everybody in this league. If we can bring our energy then we will be in good position to win.
You had a 8/9/3 game, but didn´t shoot well. What was your summary of your own game?
I always try to play for the team and give my best in each situation. My shot wasn´t falling as well as in other games. So I just tried to help my team in other ways like with my defense. I made some key shots in the second half.
Your averaging 9/6/3 with Orange Academy. The team has much talent and scoring. What is your role on court?
As captain, I need to lead my team to success. I also am like a mentor for the younger guys and want to give my input on and off the court and continue to develop my game further.
In the last 2 years at Speyer you went from 4/3 to 12/7. What are your goals as a player this season?
I want to continue to develop mentally and physically so I can make the next step. I´m still waiting for my German passport. When that comes, then I feel like I have good chances to move up to higher leagues
Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Meissa Faye It would be a tight battle, but I would win.
3 things that Pro B clubs Frankfurt, Orange Academy and FC Bayern Basketball 2 have in common is that they are the fam teams of easyCredit BBL clubs, but one thing they don´t have in common so far this season are the results. FC Bayern Basketball 2 and Orange Academy had a combined record of 11-4 and were 2-3 in the standings and have really taken the league by storm while the Skyliners Juniors were still searching for their rhythm having only a 2-4 record. A big reason for their success had been simply that years of playing together had really shaped their team chemistry. Whereas other teams are still looking for their chemistry, Orange Academy and FC Bayern Basketball 2 have it. It also has helped that they have been successful at the youth sector. Orange Academy have guys that won at the JBBL (U-16) level and had guys reach the U-19 NBBL (U-19) top 4. FC Bayern Basketball 2 had 6 players from last seasons NBBL title team in the Pro B. The only good news for the Skyliners Juniors was that after starting slow losing 4 of their first 5 games, they struck back last weekend with a very convincing win in Speyer 84-69. They wanted to keep the winning streak alive against the 6-2 Munich team. On a mild Saturday night in Frankfurt, FC Bayern Basketball 2 controlled the game for 3 quarters, but in the fourth quarter couldn´t contain a massive Skyliners Juniors comeback, but in the end the guests prevailed with the grind out 95-90 win. “We played well for 32 minutes, but didn´t in the last 8 minutes. They played a zone that pushed us out of our offense. We came back together and closed out the game strong. However we shouldn´t have allowed them to come back”, stressed FC Bayern Basketball 2 guard Agust Kjartansson. The Skyliners Juniors had to play catch up basketball the whole night and saved their best for the last quarter scoring 35 points, but their massive comeback wasn´t rewarded in crunch-time as little errors caught up with them. The biggest problem for the Skyliners Juniors was not being able to show consistency for 40 minutes. “We can´t come out for 30 minutes and not be ready to play and stick to the game plan. We have to come back way to much this season in games. We defend and rebound well when we come back, but we have to do this for the whole game. It is a mental thing. We have to get our stuff together”, warned a distraught Dusan Nikolic of the Skyliners Juniors.
Nikolas Sermpezis at the FT line
The Skyliners Juniors were without German forward Julius Messer and Czech Republic guard Lukas Smazak, but had 2 guys back after injuries with Ivan Crnjac and Maxi Peters. Both teams found their offensive rhythm right away as both teams got their bigs involved as Italian Alessio Calamita scored twice as did ex Kronberg big Florian Dietrich. Both teams were aggressive on the glass and there were 4 lead changes in the first minutes as Frankfurt had the 8-7 lead. But then came the first turning point of the game as FC Bayern Basketball 2 went on a 12-2 run to lead 20-10. In the run, the guests showed nice inside out basketball getting 3 three´s with one from Kjartansson and two from German U-19 ´world cup silver medalist Nicolas Kodjoe while Calamita continued to get good position getting a lay in while ex Dresden center Kilian Fischer connected on free throws. Munich defended with discipline and didn´t allow Frankfurt to score on the drive while Frankfurt had a lack of communication on the defensive allowing open looks. Crnjac scored his first field goal of the season and Nikolic dropped free throws while Greek youth national player Nikolas Sermpezis (196-SF-2007) added a 25 footer and free throws as FC Bayern Basketball 2 led comfortably 24-14 after 10 minutes. “The Skyliners Juniors were missing some key players and had to integrate 2 new guys which was difficult getting all on the same page. They were aggressive on the rebound, but missed too many easy lay ups”, stressed Eintracht Frankfurt/Skyliners head coach Thore Bethke. FC Bayern Basketball 2 shot 42% from the field and 43% from outside and had 11 rebounds and 1 turnover while the Skyliners Juniors shot 26% from the field and 0% from outside and had 14 rebounds and 4 turnovers.
Jamie Edoka with the massive dunk
In the second quarter FC Bayern Basketball 2 continued to control the game while fans saw 2 spectacular plays. Both teams found their offensive rhythm punching back and forth. Sermpezis nailed a trey while Frankfurt remained aggressive reaching the rim as Jamie Edoka and ex Neustadt forward Leif Zentgraf made lay in´s, but the guests still led 29-19. After a Desmon Yiamu who came to Munich in 2022 during the Ukraine war made a lay in, it was the big moment of Jamie Edoka as he came from the wing and took no prisoners as he flew to the rim and made a massive poster dunk as Frankfurt trailed 31-21. “That was a great dunk. He read the close out really well. He has a 7,1 wing span which is crazy for his height”, added Thore Bethke. Both teams continued to trade baskets as American Gob Gabriel added 5 points and Frankfurt got lay in´s from Crnjac and Nikolic, but the Skyliners Juniors just couldn´t get over the hump trailing 40-25. After Yiamu hit an old school hook shot and Crnjac made a floater, it was time for the second great play of the quarter. Kjartansson who reads the game so well somehow had eyes in the back of his head as he made a sweet over the shoulder pass ala Jokic to an open Fischer who made the lay in for the 46-30 advantage. “That was a nice pass. You can´t let him be able to operate like that. He has so much experience and gives them good stability”, stated Thore Bethke. FC Bayern Basketball 2 simply had the better offensive execution and had the more aggressive defensive play that stifled Frankfurt time in and time out again were able to lead 50-32 at half time as Kjartansson dropped a trey to end the second quarter. FC Bayern Basketball 2 shot 49% from the field and 50% from the three point line and had 21 rebounds and 1 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 35% from the field and 0% from the three point line and had 21 rebounds and 5 turnovers. “There were ups and downs with the Skyliners Juniors. Smazak was missing in the guard rotation and the pick and roll wasn´t that good. There were too many guys playing out of position”, stated Thore Bethke.
Caspar Vossenberg with the dunk
The Skyliners Juniors were able to improve their scoring in each quarter, but defensively still allowed 26 points and were unable to make any ground on FC Bayern Basketball trailing 76-55 after 3 quarters. Both teams continued to execute well on the offensive end as the guests got buckets from Calamita and Kodjoe in the zone while Frankfurt got lay in´s from Joschua Zentgraf and Dietrich, but couldn´t make any ground trailing 56-40. Kjartansson made his second great pass of the game making a behind the back bounce pass to Calamita. It was a mix of Doncic, Teodosic and Bird. “I have developed my passing over the years and I have a special feeling to pass the ball. I practice it a lot and do watch a lot of Milos Teodosic. That pass wasn´t Doncic or Bird, but just me”, smiled Agust Kjartansson. Even when the Skyliners Juniors found some daylight, they couldn´t hold that momentum long. Even after they went on a 6-2 run to trail only 58-46 as Nikolic added 4 points and Edoka made a floater, the guests poured on the pressure again going on a 18-9 run to have the 21 point lead after 30 minutes. 16 year old German youth national player Caspar Vossenberg got hot scoring 6 points while Serbian youth national player Andrija Susic added 4 points and Sermpezis made an off balance shot while the Skyliners Juniors got 2 three´s from Maxi Peters. “We came into the third quarter up by 18 points. We wanted to have much energy and keep the lead up and we did that. We executed well at both ends and didn´t let them have any easy shots”, commented Agust Kjartansson. “We didn´t play hard enough or together enough”, commented Dusan Nikolic. FC Bayern Basketball 2 shot48% from the field and 41% from the parking lot and had 30 rebounds and 6 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 36% from the field and 14% from the parking lot and had 31 reboundsa nd 8 turnovers.
Florian Dietrich at the FT line
The future of the Skyliners Juniors looked bleak going into the fourth quarter, but then came the much desired comeback, but they fell just a bit short at the end. The Skyliners Juniors came into the fourth quarter energized and wasted no time breaking out on a 14-3 run to trail only 79-69. It was the Jamie Edoka show as he scored 9 consecutive points and 11 of the 14 Frankfurt points. He was a one man wrecking crew going down hill time in and time out and proving he can take responsibility for the team. Frankfurt followed Edoka´s energy while FC Bayern Basketball 2 didn´t play team basketball anymore and lost some discipline at both ends. The guests continued to lead with 10 points as Kodjoe and Susic hit shots, but Frankfurt didn´t wilt, but kept fighting as Dusan Nikolic added 6 points as his drive and aggressiveness carried him to success as Frankfurt trailed 85-79. The Skyliners Juniors continued to fight and defend with passion getting stops which led to a 7-0 run as Leif Zentgraf added 5 points and Edoka a lay in to trail only 89-87 with 1,35 to play. “Our pride took over. We didn´t want them to embarrass us. We really didn´t shoot well all game, but we just kept shooting and finally some shots fell foe us. We believed we could come back and played like men”, warned Dusan Nikolic. “We gave them hope. We are a young team and this is basketball. Things like that can happen. We allowed too many easy baskets”, commented Agust Kjartansson. But that was as close as Frankfurt would get. FC Bayern Basketball 2 stayed strong and didn´t fret. Sermpezis added free throws for the 91-78 lead. They then buckled down getting stops and got more free throws from Sermpezis and Gabriel to seal the victory. “We stayed calm. Sermpezis is a straight line driver and so important for us. He got to the basket at the end and made the free throws”, said Agust Kjartansson. “We gambled a bit at the end and couldn´t execute. They had more luck, but that can happen when they played better for 3 Quarters”, said Dusan Nikolic. FC Bayern Basketball 2 were led by Nikolas Sermpezis with 18 points. Agust Kjartansson added 12 points and Niclas Kodjoe had 11 points as did Adrijia Susic while the Skyliners Juniors were led by Jamie Edoka with 25 poiunts while Dusan Nikolic added 17 points. FC Bayern Basketball 2 shot 44% from the field and 40% from outside and had 35 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 45% from the field and 32% from outside and had 40 rebounds and 13 turnovers.
Amon Doerries (211-F/C-2006) is a 19 year old 211cm center that is playing his first season at Bucknell University (NCAA). He played the last seasons in the Alba Berlin organization. Last season he played 5 Euroleague games for Alba Berlin and also played with SSV Lokomotive Bernau (ProB) averaging 10.0ppg, 3.5rpg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT-1 (50.0%), FT: 69.1%, and also played with the U19 team (NBBL) team of Alba Berlin averaging 14.2ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 61.2%. Amon spoke to germanhoops.com last summer about basketball
Thanks Amon for talking to germanhoops.com. You played at your fourth youth tournament. You have won a Gold, Bronze (AST), Silver and Goldtime you play you have success. Is that something that is always tough to realize or are you used to it now?
It’s still and will always be something special, especially the last two years writing history for the German federation in the youth department. So even though you know the group and maybe feel you have a chance the hardest thing is to perform when it matters. In all that FIBA tournaments: after the first three group games, every game is a do or die so it all can be over really quick. So I am really grateful for the experience, this group of guys and that we were able to be this successful during these last four years.
How blessed do you feel to have won medals at 4 tournaments including 2 Golds. Do you have a favorite?
As mentioned before the last four years were great, not only successful but also fun because this team is amazing and I like a lot of the guys a lot. For me the silver medal of the 2025 WC is my favorite. The path we had wasn’t easy, beating the third of last years European championship Slovenia twice, beating Serbia (last years second place) again, which is always a special duel and also beating Canada and Australia was great. But also personally it was my best tournament after a difficult summer last year.
Winning 4 medals in 4 years is a testament for the amazing work of the German basketball federation. How have you seen the development of German youth basketball in the last years?
I think this generation is special, also having the chance to play with almost the same team for multiple years in a row gives the chance to really build a team. But also the individual quality has never been this good and I hope that some of the guys will get the chance to show their talent with the men’s national team soon.Looking at other generations too, you can see a lot of talent coming up. Then seeing the men’s team already being successful on the big stages is a great feeling.
Congrats on winning the silver medal at the 2025 U-19 World Cup. How good does it feel making history for Germany again at the youth sector? As I said before I am thankful for the opportunity and all the experience I could gain. But this team was great and that was the biggest part for me because if we didn’t have this much fun it wouldn’t be half as good.
You won a Gold medal in 2022 with Germany at the U-16 Euro. Where does this silver rank with the Gold you won in 2022? Comparing these two events is hard, because it’s not only two completely different age groups but also competitions. For me it’s great to see that we were successful through all those 4 years. Honestly I would like to know how far we could have come in the A division in 2022.
Germany dominated most games until the final losing to USA. How enriching was it playing so consistent as a team against so many different countries? It was tremendous to get the chance to play against teams and players with so many different strengths and playing styles from different continents. So being able to adapt and still continue to keep playing our own style was a big part of our success.
Germany had some start problems against Slovenia, but then played with discipline at both ends reaching the final. How do you feel did Germany grow as a team in the first 6 games?
I think the reason for the struggles in the first game was because it was a first game. During preparation we had not even one game where we played as a whole team, it was always someone missing. So after getting this together we found a way to grow, keep learning tendencies and certain styles of each other.
Germany held their own in the first quarter, but then was overpowered by USA who had a 12 man rotation. How difficult was it defensively for Germany to find a solution against the American’s incredible athleticism? As you said the athleticism of the US team was something most of us where not used to play against, so keeping up this effort of stopping that over and over again was extremely hard. In addition to that they had a great game, scoring a lot of difficult shots, getting extra possessions through offensive boards because of their athletic and stops on the other end.
USA had some incredible players with Dybantsa, Peat and Brown. Which American player had the biggest impact on you?
I think all of them had their part and I don’t want to pick one. I think Peat had some great stretches especially in the beginning but also Brown and Dybansta did the things they can do best.
You have been teammates with Christian Anderson for years. He has developed incredibly in the last years. Do you see him making the NBA in the future? Chris is a great guy and it was great playing with him. I think he has a lot of talent shooting the ball but is also working like crazy. So seeing his development becoming an even better playmaker was great. I am excited to see how far he can go.
What was it like playing with Hannes Steinbach? What did you appreciate most about his game? Also Hannes has had an incredible development the last years. I think for me the craziest is his rebounding. Even though he is not crazy tall he just gets like almost every rebound, being able to tip the ball and keep it in the air until you got it is something not a lot of guys can do.
How valuable of a player was Eric Reibe for Germany? Is there anything from his game that you could soak up from his game?
He played a great tournament, after missing the last two years he showed his ability to score the ball. Especially in this tournament, you could see defenders were not ready for his left hand and the touch he has with it – this was great to see and maybe something I might work on a bit more in the future.
Jack Kayil was also an important player for Germany. How vital are his leadership skills? Jack was very important for the team, he kind of was the extended connection between the coach and the team. But also his playmaking on the court was great and he can always give you some tuff buckets in important moments.
You played in 7 games averaging 3/2 in 13 minutes. How would you rate the way you played at the World Cup U-19? I had a good feeling with the world cup. Being more solid on finishing but also defending, was a step compared to last year. And it gave the coach the possibility to speed up the game or switch on defense to change up the rhythm of the game.
You played the last 2 years with ALBA Berlin and played a few BBL and Euroleague games. How did your game grow in these 2 years? If you would ask me what’s the biggest change over the last two years I would say changing my hand of shooting. Which was a very big step for me and something I now, after such a ‘short’ time, feel very comfortable with. But most consistent was developing my body which took a big part and getting the first experiences of being a pro. This is the first time where you kind of get to do your own decisions. So this is an age where you can learn a lot and I think at ALBA you have a good base and good staff around you to do that.
You played with so many great players at Alba Berlin. What player had the biggest impact on you?
For me personally it was the professionalism of Matt. You could see he has experienced a lot and I did learn a lot from him about taking care of your body.
You won the 2023 NBBL title in Frankfurt. What do you remember from the buzzer beater from Nils Machowski?
The championship is a great memory, especially now for me leaving Berlin this is something I talked about with some of my old teammates and coaches. And the moment where you are uncertain if it’s going to be overtime or winning the game is something really exciting and great to experience.
What are your memories of the 2022 Euro Gold where you averaged 3/1 in 7 games? You had 7 points in the final against Finland. It was the first time being with this group so I kind of tried to find my own role, sometimes better and against some teams it was harder to adapt.
You won the Gold at the U-18 Euro. You played very little averaging 1/1. What positives could you take from this Euro?
This has been a difficult summer for me finding my rhythm and role in the team. But in the end we became European champion and this is what stays.
Who is the toughest player that you have battled so far in your career that reached the NBA? Maybe it wasn’t a official game but I was practicing with Franz Wagner during the off season. Not only playing against him but also talking to him, getting tips and him sharing his own experiences was something interesting.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Dorian Grosber and Anton Anton Nufer, because we have spent a lot of time together, lived together and shared most of the ALBA experiences together. Jack Kayil because we know each other since a really long time, spent a lot of time in school, practices and now also national team together. And then let’s take Jane Mueller and Hannes Steinbach because I really like these two guys and we had a great time at national team.
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? Lebron and Michael Jordan we will talk about them shortly again. And then Kobe and KD. Because Kobe and his work ethic is just iconic and then KD as one of the best scorers ever and someone I personally always liked as a player.
Who is your Goat? In my Opinion MJ is the Goat as someone who has an incredible legacy, but for me overall Lebron is the best player ever.
Tanner Omlid (196-F-1993, college: WOU) is a 32 year old 196cm forward from Idenpendence, Oregon playing his 8th professional season and 7th in Portugal and third with FC Porto. He also played 2 seasons with Imortal BC Albufeira and 2 seasons with Sporting Clube de Portugal Lisboa. He played his rookie season with Aceitunas Fragata Moron (Spain-LEB Silver) averaging 9.3ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.3apg, SPG-1 (2.4), FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 70.6%. He began his basketball career with Central High School and then played 2 seasons with the U.S. Military Academy (NCAA) averaging 5.8ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.5apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 58.0%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 63.0% and 6.6ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.2apg, 2.2spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 10.0%, FT: 50.0%. He then finished at Western Oregon University (NCAA2) averaging 10.5ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.3apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 56.2%, 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 59.3% and in his second season 16.3ppg, 7.7rpg, 3.2apg, 3.1spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 65.6% and in his last season averaged 13.6ppg, 6.5rpg, 3.3apg, 2.7spg, 1.8bpg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 30.2%, FT: 69.2%He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Fiba Euro Cup game against German team Rostock.
Thanks Tanner for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your 8th professional season in Europe and 7th in Portugal. Is it fair to say that Portugal has become like your second home?
Most definitely Portugal is my second home. I have made some great friends whom I consider family. This country and the people have been very good to me and especially my family. My son is even Portuguese.
Your playing your third season with FC Porto (Portugal-Liga Betclic). You have won 3 titles with them. What makes this organization so special?
This organization had confidence in me after coming back from my ACL injury. It is a club that puts in the same amount of trust and respect that I give to them.
The team won the last 2 cups, but haven´t won the league since 2016. Does this season´s team have the talent for the double? I believe that if we are all healthy at the end of the season then we have a great chance to win the championship this season.
Unfortunately you are inactive at the moment- You had shoulder surgery. How is the rehab going and when are you expected back?
Rehab for the shoulder is so much different than the knee. I’m so used to working through the pain, but with this recovery I’m not supposed to feel pain. I’ve really had to be patient and trust the process. I’m finally able to start doing basketball moves and shooting, which has not only been good physically but has helped me mentally as well.
You won 2 cups with FC Porto. Was one more memorable than the other one?
I would say the last Portugal Cup; we beat Benfica in the semis where I had a great game. Then we went on to beat Sporting in the finals and got to celebrate with all of our fans.
Last season you played with ex NBA player Toney Douglas and 2 years ago lost to him in the final. What memories will you always have of him as a teammate and opponent?
Toney is a player with a tremendous IQ of the game. He can score on all three levels and plays defense with physicality and precise angles. As an opponent, I remember him making big shots in the finals that were very crucial. As a teammate, I will remember his competitiveness and will to win. It was a pleasure to play alongside him.
In your first season at FC Porto, you lost the last game to Benfica despite scoring 24 points. What memories will you always have of that 2 game series?
I will remember how I gave everything I had and still came up short. After that series I could look at myself in the mirror and honestly say I gave it my all.
You’re a player that fills the stat sheet great, but how valuable is your defensive game? You had 7 steals twice in a game in the Fiba Europe Cup. What NBA defender is your role model?
I try and take tid bits from the best defenders of all time. My hustle comes from Dennis Rodman. My exterior on ball defense is from Gary Payton. Then I try to work angles like Tony Allen. But if I’m being honest, my role model as a defender is Brian Dawkins from the Philadelphia Eagles. He had the ability to strike fear into people before even playing them. Not that people should be afraid of me, but I try to come into the game being fearless. We are all on the same court.
You played 2 seasons with Sporting Clube de Portugal Lisboa (Portugal-Liga Betclic). What memories do you have of this great organization? What did you enjoy most about the 2 years? My first season was a very fun season. We were a historic team for being the first Portuguese team to make it to the Quarterfinals of FibaEurocup. We won 3 cups. I ended up tearing my ACL at the end of the season. It was a great group of guys and a pleasure to compete with them. My second season was a rehab season for my ACL. I tried to come back after 10 months, but I wasn’t even close to where I was before or where I am now. I learned a lot that season because I watched every practice and analyzed the game. I enjoyed playing with Travante Williams because we are both from the GNAC (NCAA D2). We both had a chip on our shoulder and still feel like we have something to prove. He’s a winner. I miss competing with that man.
You had some really good games that first season, but none better than against Pova where you scored 32 points. Was this possibly your best game in Portugal besides your 40 points against Braga?? Those were some good games, but I’d say my best game was in the semi finals of the Portugal Cup against Benfica last season. I think I finished with 29 points and made some tough 3’s. The games against Povoa and Braga were great games, but when it is a rival on a big stage it makes the game a little more special.
You played 2 seasons with Imortal BC Albufeira (Portugal-Proliga) and helped the team move up to the first division. What was so special about that team?
That team was special because we all bought in. Coach Modesto had a coaching philosophy that matched well with all of the players. We worked hard and that same group of guys all signed for the next season.
In your second season there you were teammates with veteran DJ Fenner. What was it like battling him on a daily basis in practice? What could you soak up from his game? DJ was and still is a very hard worker. We battled throughout the season and helped each other get better. I really enjoyed getting to know him as a person and basketball player. His footwork on offense was really good. His ability to turn his hips and square up to take shots (on balance) off of all types of screens was impressive.
In the 3 game playoff series against Lusitania you averaged 24,0ppg and 11,0rpg and shot an amazing 23/26 from the 2%. Was this the best basketball you played in a week´s time in the first division Portugal?
I never really thought of my best week’s but those stats speak for themselves. I can’t think of any other time in the top league that I’ve played that good.
You played your rookie season with Aceitunas Fragata Moron (Spain-LEB Silver) averaging 9.3ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.3apg, SPG-1 (2.4), FGP: 56.6%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 70.6%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home? That was a tough year for me because I spent half the season away from my wife. I remember walking down the street and people would stop eating and talking to just look at me. I didn’t speak the language that well until about February. When I flew back to the US, I knew I was back when I could understand everybody. I was so accustomed to walking through town and hearing people talk and it would be like a white noise because I couldn’t understand. Then I got back home and I kind of missed the innocence of not understanding what was being said.
You played 2 seasons at the U.S. Military Academy (NCAA) averaging 5.8ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.5apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 58.0%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 63.0% and 6.6ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.2apg, 2.2spg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 10.0%, FT: 50.0% What memories do you have of playing for Zac Spiker?
My entire time West Point was kind of a blur. I was so sleep deprived and just trying to get through the day and pass my classes. My escape was the 3-4 hours a day when we were “up the hill” at the basketball arena and weight room. Coach Spiker was the person who taught me how to win offensive rebounds on free throws.
You then played at Western Oregon University (NCAA2) from 2015-2018 winning the GNAC title twice. What title was sweeter? On championship teams everybody has a role and every role is equally important. The first title was sweet because we were a team that was surrounded by hoopers. We were a D1 team disguised as a D2 team. If any of those guys wanted to go pro they could have come to Europe and had good careers. The second title is different because that was my team. I was the only starter from that previous team that was on this team. We were special because we all had a chip on our shoulder and bought into Coach Shaw’s system.
In your second season you had an amazing 18/15/11steals triple double in a win over Seattle Pacific. What memories do you have of that game?
The main memory I have of that game is having a reverse dunk and it was alumni night so the gym was packed. After the game, I met Robert Day who let me know that I could have a good professional career. It planted the seed.
In the same season in another game you had 34 points in a 76-74 win over Seattle Pacific. In your senior year you exploded for 32 points. You seemed to have their number? I don’t think it was Seattle Pacific, but more Kegan Bone’s. He was an assistant coach on that first WOU team that won the title. He left us and to quote Michael Jordan, “I took that personally”. Looking back now, if I was in his shoes I would have done the same thing because at the time that was his dream job, but at the time it was personal.
How did head coach Jim Shaw groom and prepare you best for a pro career? I only have good things to say about Coach Shaw. From day 1, he treated us like professionals. He had standards on the court. He instilled the 4 pillars that I still live by on and off the court. Attitude: Be positive and grateful Work Ethic: Don’t allow someone else outwork you physically and mentally Leadership: To be able to lead someone else, you must first be able to lead yourself Team: Nothing great in life comes from selfishness. His system was built on his 4 pillars, but he had the ability to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of a team early on and he would change the entire offensive/defensive schemes to get the maximum potential out of his players and win. He wasn’t hubris in his philosophy and would listen to input and would have serious conversations about anything.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Ali Farouq-Bey? I think we only played 1v1 a few times because they would last forever. At the time, I was not a great offensive player and Ali could hold his own defensively. But he had a hard time scoring on me, so it came down to whoever could make the harder shots that day. He is one of my favorite teammates of all time, and now he is a middle school teacher and I’m proud of him.
Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in your life that reached the NBA?
I played against Kyrie Irving in an open gym. I remember I had him locked in the corner after chesting him twice, then he drove left towards the free throw line and made a left-handed runner going parallel to the baseline. He went on to use the same exact move the following season to hit a game winner against the Denver Nuggets.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? 1: Abdul Gaddy (Crawsover-pro-am) 2: Marcus Lovett (Sporting) 3: Travante Williams (Sporting) 4: Andy Avgi (WOU) 5: Robert Upshaw (Crawsover-pro-am) P
Please list your NBA Mount Rushmore? MJ, LeBron, Steph, Shaq
Who is your Goat? LeBron James.
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? No I haven’t.
If one was to give Ivan Kharchenkov (201-F-2006) a new middle name, the simplest would be winner. Winning is never easy as stress is always involved. What this 19 year old has achieved in only the last 2 years is simply incredible. But what is even more amazing is that he has done it at the Pro and youth level. In the summer of 2024 he led team Germany to the U-18 Eurochampionships in Finland averaging 17.5ppg, 5.3rpg, 3.8apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 64.5%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 66.7%. At the pro level he helped FC Bayern Munich win the easyCredit BBL title despite playing only 12 games and averaging 11 minutes per game and scoring 38 points, he gave his 2 cents to the success. His winning ways continued in 2024-205 as he added 2 new titles to his collection. He finally made 3 is a charm winning his first NBBL (U-19) title with FC Bayern Munich. Even if he only played 2 games the whole season, he did win in spectacular fashion taking a short break from the BBL playoffs against MBC and taking a train with his mother from Munich to Berlin on the day of the final and helping his friends Dominik Dolic, Ivan Volf and CO win the championship. He then returned back to the BBL playoffs and helped FC Bayern Munich nip ratiopharm Ulm in an exciting 5 game series. But when a competitor continues winning like he does, that hunger just continues and so does the stress. After the 2025 BBL title, Kharchenkov had a short vacation and then went on to the new challenge. He will play the 2025-2026 NCAA season with the University of Arizona. But instead of heading over at the end of August to start, he had to go already in mid July. “I have to do summer school. It is a requirement for international students”, said Ivan Kharchenkov. He wants to keep the winning streak alive with winning the 2026 NCAA title and crowning everything with being drafted by an NBA team.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Ivan Kharchenkov at the 2025 NBBL final in Berlin
The young 3 level scorer already has accomplished more than most German professional players winning 2 easyCredit BBL titles as a teenager. If one would ask Michael Jordan what his sweetest of 6 NBA titles would be, he may very well comment on his first, but how was it with Kharchenkov? “The sweetest was my second one. I contributed more to the second one while the first was a gift”, said Ivan Kharchenkov. He actually only played 1 minute more than in 2023-2024, but he was a much important player for Gordon Herbert. His games grew from 12 to 39 as did his points per game from 3 to 5. He scored in double figures in 5 games including 20 points in Frankfurt and 17 points against BG Goettingen. He also posted 15 points against Wurzburg and 14 points a piece against Alba Berlin and the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. He played a total of 8 playoff games and logged a total of 44 minutes. In the BBL finals, he played 4 games against ratiopharm Ulm and logged 30 minutes in the 4 games. He had a massive game 4 netting 7 points. “That was my biggest moment in the finals. I played a lot. We went to Ulm with our backs to the wall. It was a real nasty environment and we held them to 53 points. I had goosebumps”, remembered Ivan Kharchenkov. In the 2024-2025 season he played only 1 minute more in the BBL and 2 less minutes in the Euroleague. Was it a lost season for him? “No it wasn´t. I did play less minutes, but I played way more games. I feel despite playing less games last year, I still learned a lot despite one door being closed”, stressed Ivan Kharchenkov.
The 2023 U-18 Gold medalist who lists TJ Shorts, Facundo Campazzo, Justin Jaworski and Alfonso Plummer as his toughest opponents last season ahd to fight for minutes everyday. It is no secret that it has always been tough for young German players to get minutes with FC Bayern Munich. Kharchenkov expected to get more minutes. Usually a player will seek the talk with the head coach about playing time. Didn´t he have talks with 2023 World Cup champion head coach Gordon Herbert about his situation? “I didn´t talk to him in detail. He just told me to stay ready. I think it isn´t right for a player to talk with coach about his minutes. I have to accept it. I have to show in practice that I deserve the minutes. I showed in games against Ulm and Belgrade that I could help the team. His job is too give minutes”, warned Ivan Kharchenkov. He is a year older and more basketball wise and learned valuable things not only on the court.” I learned a lot of things behind the scenes. It is important to stay calm and not get mad when something doesn´t go right. On the court, I feel like my defense developed further. I watched the game of Nick Weiler-Babb a lot. He taught me how to take the position correctly and when to gamble and when not to. I also improved off the ball. I think being in the weight room another year helped my athleticism as well ”, added Ivan Kharchenkov. He had the fortune also of being teammates with ex NBA player and NCAA champion Shabazz Napier who showed he could become 2025 BBL finals MVP. “He taught me to always believe in myself. I like his overview of the game and how calm he always is”, warned Ivan Kharchenkov.
Ivan Kharchenkov 2025 NBBL(U-19) German champion with FC Bayern Munich
The 2025 NBBL (U-19) champion who believes that in a game of 1-1 and 10 attempts against Nick Weiler-Babb, he would make 5-6 baskets and 4 baskets against ex NBA player Carson Edwards now has a new challenge in the NCAA with the University of Arizona. There will be so many young Germans playing in the NCAA this season like never before. It wasn´t only money that attracted players. “I´m really excited to be able to play in USA. Basketball is such a culture there. The arenas aren´t as crazy as in Belgrade. It will be different. I had to make this move, because I wanted more playing time. I had more offers and Arizona wasn´t even the best financial offer. I liked the coach and that he has had success with international kids. I feel like we could do some damage at March Madness”, warned Ivan Kharchenkov. His new coach is Tommy Lloyd who definitely is used to success. He was an assistant coach at Gonzaga for 18 seasons and won 13 WCC titles and reached the NCAA final twice. He is in his 5th season with Arizona and reached 3 NCAA Sweet 16´s in his first 4 years there and recently coached Team USA to the U-18 World Cup Gold. “We clicked pretty well in our talks. We talked about my role and about my strengths. Coach told me I could be the best playe there, but I have to prove it every day in practice”, said Ivan Kharchenkov. It is a no brainer that one of his goals is to get drafted by an NBA team in 2026? “That is the plan. If that doesn´t work, I will stay a second year. I also hope that I won´t get injured”, stressed Ivan Kharchenkov. He will be in great company with Bryce James the son of the GOAT for many Lebron James. What was his reaction when he heard that he would be playing with Lebron James´s son? “The second time, I spoke with the assistant coach, he mentioned it. My reaction was oh cool”, smiled Ivan Kharchenkov. How well could these 2 guys harmonize on the court despite both being shooting guards? “That is hard to say. I feel like I can play well with anyone. I´m versatile. We will see”, stated Ivan Kharchenkov. He surely will meet Lebron James one day when he comes to watch Bryce play. What would be the first question he would ask him? “I would say one word How? How can you still play so well at a high level at age 40? I would also ask him what he learned at age 18 that made click when he got to the NBA”, warned Ivan Kharchenkov. This will be an exciting year for Ivan Kharchenkov. Just another chapter for him in a booming career.
Urald King (198-F-1990, college: SE Oklahoma) is a 35 year old 198cm forward from West Monroe, Louisiana playing his 10th professional season and first with the VET-CONCEPT Gladiators Trier (Germany-BBL). He has gathered experience in Iceland where he played parts of 4 seasons as well as in countries like Germany, France, Finland, Austria, Denmark and Israel. He began his basketball career at West Monroe high school and then played at Southeastern Oklahoma State University (NCAA) from 2010-2014 and as a senior averaged 16.9ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 58.8%, FT: 67.1%. He spoke to eurobasket before a cup game against the Telekom Baskets Bonn.
Thanks Urald for talking to eurobasket.com. Congrats on the great 4-0 start. How good is basketball life for you at the moment? Basketball life is perfect, when your team is 4-0 what better start can you ask for.
The Romerstrom Gladiators are 4-0 at the moment and the big surprise in the league. Is it fair to say the team has taken the momentum from last season into this season?
Absolutely! Obviously I wasn’t here last season but the message has been clear, the goal was never to be happy just to be in the BBL but to competitive. The board did a great job of keeping the core together and finding complimentary players like myself to add to the roster to keep and build on the momentum.
The Gladiators were 10 years in the second division (Pro A) and now back in the easyCredit BBL. Do you sense that proudness of being back in the first league with the day to day work from everyone in the organization? For sure, from day 1 we were told how important it was to the city and fans to reach the BBL again. With every practice, game, and promotional events for the club you can feel the pride of being back in the BBL.
The team kept many players from last season and only had to integrate a few guys. How easy has the transition been for you coming from the Danish league? It’s been up and down. My role is a bit different from what I had in the Danish league so I had to make those adjustments. But as you mentioned there’s a lot of core pieces back from last season so they’ve done a great job of helping me get up to speed.
The goal is to win 12 games and the team already has 4 wins. You won titles in Iceland, Austria and Denmark and knows how winning teams tick. How special are the Gladiators and aren´t they better than a team that has the goal to win 12 games? It’s still too early to determine how special this team is or will be but I will say we have a group of guys (especially the coaches) who come to work everyday and put their best foot forward. When you’re around a group of men like this the sky’s the limit.
You have played for many coaches in your career. How unique has Jacques Schneider been? He seems to make coming to work fun I have been globetrotter but the great thing I can say about Jacques is he does make it fun and he’s relatable. He does a great job of making you feel comfortable and you’re able to communicate with him on a personal level. And he also does a great job of holding everyone accountable no matter if you’re a 10+ year guy like Me, JJ, or Maik or a rookie.
How unique is the treasure chest? Do you feel like this has given the players an extra motivation to perform well in games?
I think the treasure chest is a creative tool for the team and it helps keep the excitement because you naturally grow curious as to whats inside of it. Also, We understand we’re a newly promoted team to the BBL and most nights we’ll be the underdogs and the opportunity to play on this stage is motivation too.
You beat Alba Berlin and Bamberg back to back. Nobody in Trier would ever have believed that could happen in 2015, but this season it happens. How special was winning in Berlin in that atmosphere? For me personally it was amazing!! I started my career off in Bavaria, in Regionalliga II so getting a chance to play in an arena with 10k+ people there was extraordinary. And from a team standpoint it showed us that we’re capable of being anyone on any given night.
One good sign so far has been that Trier won the last 3 games in crunch time and by slim margins against Berlin, Bamberg and Braunschweig. What does that tell you about a team that can win like that so early in the season? It comes down to our late game execution, we know our roles and we stick to them. Also we understand most games in this league will be close in the end so it’s all about execution and we’ve done a great job of that thus far.
The team can score, rebounds well and have shot the ball solidly from outside. What do you believe is this team´s biggest strength?
I think our biggest strength is we’re an egoless team. We all know our roles and play them but we also understand on any given night it can be your night (to be the leading scorer) so we’re all ready.
The club allows 82 points on average. Is tightening up the defensive end one of the biggest areas to improve? Of course, this league is full of talent and we understand we can’t win every game based off our offensive abilities alone.
How have you experienced team captain Maik Zirbes best this season? The ex Euroleague player can do it all on the court and even run marathons off the court.
Maik is a very experienced player as you said and he does a great job of leading us from a leadership standpoint. Honestly speaking as productive as Maik has been, I think he’s just now starting to hit his stride and the league will see how much more he has to offer.
Behnam Yakhchali is an incredible player that can do it all and knows how to make crucial plays. What have you learned to appreciate the most from him?
Behnam, B as we call him is an extremely poised player you never see him fluster or speed up he plays at his own pace. He’s a very experienced player and has a good feel for the game. He does a great job of putting guys in the right positions to be successful and is a great shooter.
You played with a true leader with Skyler Bowlin in Denmark and now play with Jordan Roland. He led Trier last season to the Pro A title. Could he become a top point guard in the BBL this season? I definitely believe Jordan can be a top point guard in this league. He’s great under pressure and has the ability to make difficult shots.
Your averaging 11/6/1 and shooting 41% from outside. How content have you been with your play? You have adjusted well and proven you can be a impact player in the best league you have played in in your career? I think if anyone has followed me throughout my career they’ll notice I can adjust in any circumstance and this is no different. Yes, this is the highest level I’ve played out but I have a great feel of the game and no matter the level I know how to be productive.
You have shown your whole career that you fill the stat sheet and be an impact player at both ends. What exactly is your role on the team? My role is to be consistent. We had a rid range of scores so my role is to help space the court, rebound at a high level, defend, bring energy to the game, and make shots when they come my way.
Trier wants to keep their winning streak alive with a win in the cup against Bonn on Friday. Bonn is finding their groove after losing their first 2 BBL games and now have a 2 game winning streak. They are a team that average 73 points per game and allow 73 points per game. What will be key to getting the win? The key points to the game is to make them adapt to our playing style. We’re currently undefeated for a reason so we don’t want to change what’s been successful but we also want to focus on being physical and making them uncomfortable.
Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Nolan Adekunle? Nolan is a very good player but I will always bet on myself.
Maximilian Peters (206-F-2007) is a 18 year old 206cm forward playing for the Skyliners Juniors and Eintracht Frankfurt / Fraport Skyliners U19 team (NBBL). Last season he played 16 game sin the Pro B averaging 2.8ppg, 1.9rpg an din the NBBL averaged 7.6ppg, 4.9rpg, FGP: 54.3%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 65.0%. At the moment he is injured and spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Max for talking to germanhoops.com. Your currently Injured. How did it happen?
It happened in a test game against Saarlouis. I went for a rebound and fell on the foot of another player.
How is the rehab going? The rehab is going well and a bit faster than planned. I´m working now on strength and stability.
When are you expected back? I hope to be back at the start of November for the next home game against FC Bayern Munich.
You improved your NBBL stats last season from 3,0ppg to 7,0ppg. How did your game grow? I had more volume with taking shots and I became more physical.
You shot only 20% from outside. How much of a goal is it to improve your outside shooting?
It is very important for me to continue to improve my shooting. I had good and bad shooting phases last season. I have to become more consistent. I´m taking more reps than usual.
On what other areas of your game do you want to improve on most? I´m constantly working on my physicality. I worked a lot last summer with coach Markus Klusemann on my athleticism and explosiveness.
Last season you played 16 Pro B games averaging 2/1. What are your goals in the Pro B this season? I want to make the next step in the Pro B. I want to be more important on the court at both ends.
What is your impression of the current Pro B team? The team is very young and has a lot of individual qualities. We are a team that has many good qualities at both ends. I feel like we already have a good chemistry at this stage of the season.
The team has good German scorers with Ivan Crnjac, Dusan Nikolic and Jamie Edoka. What is your role exactly?
My role this season will be to be a scorer from the bench. I want to be that sixth or seventh man off the bench that is able to keep offensive qualities high.
What has been your impression of talented Czech player Lukas Smazak? He is a really good shooter. But his biggest strength is his passing. His court vision is really good and he is a very smart player.
What is your biggest wish as a player this season? My biggest wish is that we as a team start winning games in the Pro B and continue to compete well.
Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Ivan Crnjac? I win.
German Hoops 