soccer

Xavier Newson Loves Being An Underdog And Proving Himself Right More Than Trying To Prove People Wrong

Xavier Newson (194-SG-1995, college: Goshen) is a 30 year old 194cm guard from Illinois that is an overseas baller that recently played Dehesas Reunidas Climanavas Penarroya (Spain-Tercera FEB) averaging 15/4/1 stats.He began his basketball career at Richwoods High School and then played 2 seasons at North Central Missouri College (JUCO). He then added a season at Missouri Western State University (NCAA2) and at Goshen College (NAIA). He began his pro career in 2017 and since has played in countries like Kosovo, Georgia, and Spain. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Xavier for talking to germanhoops.com You have been overseas 8 years and played
only in 3 countries with Kosovo, Georgia and Spain, but played for 10 different organizations.
Would you call yourself a basketball globetrotter?

Hahaha that’s a good question! But I would have to say no. I mean I’ve played in less
countries than a lot of my peers. 10 different teams sounds crazy though , hopefully
soon I’ll be adding some new passport stamps.

You’re playing your fourth season in Spain. Has Spain become like a second home to you?

YES! It absolutely has. Spain is where I actually call home now. I met my now wife my
first week in Spain in January of 2022 and basically I’ve been here ever since. Now I
have a spanish son and was just granted naturalization so now I have a Spanish
passport as well.

You have played the last 3 seasons in the fourth league in Spain. How would you describe
the talent level and competitive level?

I would say its pretty good. Ive played in higher leagues against guys that are now
playing what everybody would call high level Europe for example, while I was in
Kosovo or Georgia. But Spain has the best 4th division in Europe by far in my opinion.
This league is broken into groups so each group has its levels but in general good
basketball is being played for sure.

You have put up strong stats all seasons. How difficult is it in general to move up the ladder
in Spain?

This is a touchy subject for me but yes I have performed and have had some team
success as well. I’ve seen some guys get an opportunity and climb up. I just haven’t
been one of those guys. Fair or not? Not a question I can answer. It is a tough pill for me to swallow because I feel like I’ve earned it for sure but everybody has their journey so I
try to focus on that and keep pushing. I would say it’s difficult to move up but it
happens every year for a few guys.

Your playing your first season with Dehesas Reunidas Climanavas Penarroya (Spain-Tercera FEB). What kind of an experience has it been? What have you enjoyed most about this club?

It’s been an up and down season to say the least but I’m living a dream playing in my
Spanish hometown which I haven’t done since the 22-23 season. So having a chance
to play at home and be present daily with my wife and son who is now 11 months old
has been a blessing for sure. Having the family at the home games is great. I’ve enjoyed this part of it for sure. Something I’ll probably never have another chance to do. Also I
surpassed 1000 points scored in the league in 58 games and 3000 in Europe overall
so a few goals have been reached this season.

Last season you played with Lithium Iberia Sargado Caceres (Spain-Tercera FEB)
averaging 17.2ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 75.9%. You had many great games there. Whatwas your favorite game of the season?

For sure it would be towards the end of the season in a home game against Moraleja
where I made 7 3s which is my career high for 3s made in a game professionally.

In the 2023-2024 season you played with CB Aridane (Spain-EBA) averaging 16.9ppg, 3.4rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 63.3%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 73.4%. This was your second season in Spain. How did your game grow that season?

ALOT! In all aspects of the game. Sounds crazy but it’s the truth! This season in my eyes was my best season professionally so far. We beat Real Madrid B who had 2 now NBA players. And we were a first seed heading into the promotion phase. I owe all that growth to my coach at that time Eneko Mata who believed in me and also pushed me. We are still very close to this day. He knows how much I appreciate him.

You played your first season in Spain with Coto Cordoba (Spain-1 Div.). What memories do you have ofthat season in Spain? What challenges do you remember having on and off the court?

Well my first season was really good. Personally I averaged 23 ppg and I want to say we won 7 out of the 10 games I played or something like that. The team at that time was trying to stay in the league and we achieved that goal and my teammates that first season are guys I still talk to often now. It was a super cool first experience here in Spain. I enjoyed it.

You played the 2021-2022 season with BC Iverioni Gori (Georgia-A League), played also at BC Telavi (Georgia-A League) averaging 19.7ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 64.9%, 3PT: 12.9%, FT: 58.8%. It was your las tseason in Georgia. How do you summarize your time in Georgia? How would you compare the talent level and competitive level to other leagues that you saw overseas?

Well like I said earlier in Georgia I played against former G league guys , guys that now have played in ABA league , BBL, Spain 2 , Winners league. I can go on hahaha so yes the level there was really good and a lot of guys are making good careers after playing there. In my eyes it’s a really competitive league. All 4 imports are usually killers. Personally I did well. Top 3 in points my first two seasons there. I held my own against a lot of guys that on paper were more talented or came from higher levels , d1 etc. I left
Georgia with a lot of confidence in who I was as a player.

You played 1 season with Burji Telavi (Georgia-A League). What was your fondest memory playing with this club?

This was the season right after covid so it was tough but for everybody playing in Europe at that time. With quarantine and all the covid tests we had to take. But I played this season alongside one of my best friends James Edmond so that made it special and we got through the ups and downs of the season together. We missed the playoffs by 1 game that season after going on a late run at the end.

You also played with State University of Sport (Georgia-A League) in 2020
averaging PPG-3 (20.8), 6.2rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 63.2%. Your stay was short. How tough was the whole Covid situation for you? What memories do you have of that short season?

Yeah so this was my first season in Georgia. I think we only played 6 games because of covid. I was playing really well being the only import on my team ,playing against 3 or 4 imports every game. But I also remember it like yesterday when Rudy Gobert did what he did and the NBA was shut down . We were shut down about 3 or 4 days later hahah it was crazy. Also a time I’ll never forget because I was on facetime with my cousin at the time when the news about Kobe passing away broke the internet. And I remember going to the practice the next day. Everything was so weird and things just felt so off for everybody. Crazy times !!

You played your rookie season overseas with KB Rahoveci (Kosovo-SuperLeague) averaging
14.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 58.7%, 3FGP: 20.0%, FT: 65.7%, in Feb.’18 moved to KB Kalaja Prizren (Kosovo-Liga e pare). What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

Honestly I can’t say I had a rough adjustment to Europe because I didn’t. In the super league I played well being the import with the least minutes and decided to leave and help a team in the second league move up which we were able to do. And had a crazy celebration after. Moments I’ll never forget. I can say it was an adjustment for sure with the traveling calls like any rookie but Kosovo has some of the best food I’ve ever had in Europe. Very underrated food spot!

The next season you didn’t play overseas. Did you have issues about being overseas? What did you do that season?

I won’t go too deep into this but long story short after the promotion, I was told I would be brought back to play super league again. At the end of July I was told they weren’t bringing me back. I was caught off guard and didn’t talk to any agents or anything that summer so yeah. Lesson learned there!! That season I just worked a normal job at home and trained daily with my trainer at that time. Very tough year mentally but I became a better player that gap season
for sure.

You’re 30 years old. What goals do you still have as a pro player? How tough is the grind and pay?

Well now that I’ll enter this summer’s market as a Bosman A player for the first time honestly. I don’t know what to expect. But my goal is to try to climb as high as I can moving around Europe not counting as an import anymore. It’s definitely been a grind but I love it! I love being an underdog and proving myself right more than trying to prove people wrong. The money at his stage of my career could for sure be better, but I feel like I’ve shown I’m not just playing for the money. I’m playing because I really love the game and the grind! Hopefully I’ll start recuperating some of my hard work back now with some new experiences and better salaries. but what’s clear is that im going to keep working how I work and we will see where it takes me. Im a real basketball junkie haha so my plan is to play until the wheels fall off

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 194cm shooting guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

Yeah so my game for sure is primarily generated by my ability to score but I also feel like when given the opportunity I can really make plays for my teammates. My favorite player is Kevin Durant and obviously I won’t say I play like him but I have definitely copied a lot and watched a ton of his film. If iIhad to compare my game i would say like a Dion Waiters who’s not in the league anymore or if you watch a lot of Euro League you’ve seen Talen Horton Tucker recently, I would say I’ m a less athletic THT for sure. Pretty much the same size, build and long arms.

You fill the stat sheet really well. Your shooting really stands out. What other strengths really stand out with your offensive game?

I definitely wouldn’t call myself a shooter. More of a shot maker, but my biggest
strength is getting down hill to the rim. Also my post up game, taking advantage of
smaller guards. Sometimes I even post up guys taller than me because I’m stronger or
ill say pretty strong for a guard. I feel I can do everything offensively, and am a 3 level scorer.

Talk about your development as a scorer overseas. You scored the ball great in college. Where do you see the development of your game at the moment and where can you still bring it?

I would have to say I still have a lot of work to do. I feel like there are some areas I feel I’ve mastered but always trying to add little things. And obviously always trying to improve my 3 point percentage even though my percentage doesn’t always tell the true story of my shooting ability because I shoot a lot of tough 3s, late shot clock and step backs etc. In the most recent years I have definitely become a huge threat playing out of the low post.

How have you seen the development of your defense? What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?
Not only for me but for a lot of guys that are labeled ‘scorers’ our defense is immediately questioned. I wont say im the best defender but what I am is SUPER competitive. I don’t like being scored on. In Europe defense is a team thing and depends a lot on the team’s personnel but I believe I’m a guy that can guard 1-4 in a lot of leagues.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to grow as a player?

I’m always trying to improve my 3 point shooting. Can never get up too many reps. I’m a
guy that locks in during the summer so really everything gets sharpened but definitely shooting because I’m put in those type of situations.

You played 2 seasons at North Central Missouri College (JUCO) and in your last season averaged 14.0ppg, 5.3rpg, FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 47.1%, FT: 66.2%. Every baller that I have interviewed has said that JUCO was a real grind, but an experience they wouldn’t have traded for the world. How was it for you?

Man for me for sure it’s the same. My guys from JUCO I still keep in touch with. We went
through so much together in that small town of Trenton, Missouri. I can tell stories
about my time there for hours on hours!

How valuable was head coach Jeremy Esry in your development in JUCO? How did he help
your game the most?

Well actually coach E was the assistant coach during my two years. But he for sure
was a part of my development. From the hard talks we had after my freshman year
about my weight and coaches saying I needed to find a position on the court and
become a guard. I achieved those things as a sophomore coming back and we had a
good run.

You then played a season at Missouri Western State University (NCAA2) averaging 6.4ppg, 1.7rpg, FGP: 45.0%, 3PT: 47.6%, FT: 75.0%. You made a good adjustment to the NCAA 2. How did your game grow there under Brett Weiberg?

My toughest year of my career no doubt. Things didn’t go as planned. I wasn’t used to how I was recruited. I still had some big games when given the opportunity and helped us win a few games as well. MIAA was and still is the best division 2 conference so great experience and played against a lot of Pros.

You had many great games like scoring 25 points in a win over Ft Hays State. What was your fondest moment there?

Yes, that was my breakout game in front of our home crowd. I still go watch the youtube special on that game sometimes hahaha.

You then finished at Goshen College (NAIA) averaging 15.7ppg, 5.2rpg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 76.9%.You took a step back to play in the NAIA. Why did you make this move?

Like I said earlier, things at MoWest didn’t go how I expected. And at that time I knew I wanted to be a PRO after college so I wanted an opportunity to show my full game. Goshen gave me that opportunity again in the toughest NAIA conference there is, in Indiana the heart of basketball.

You had many great games at Goshen like hitting IU Kokomo for 25 points in a win. What was your fondest moment there?

That was a good game for sure. I had a few explosive games at Goshen. But for me easily was beating St Francis at home when they were ranked number 1 in the country. I might have only had 16 or 17 points that game but it was a huge win.

How did coach Neal Young give you that last push and helped you be prepared for a pro career?

Honestly I cant think him enough for the freedom he gave me after having a rough year mentally at the d2.He truly believed in me and also challenged me in film sessions. He never treated me differently even though I was the big recruit brought in. Also he helped me form the relationship I have with ErrickMcCollum (goshen college alum) who is a big brother/mentor who i can always ask for advice and someone to follow as he’s still going at a high level.

Who won a 1-1 in practice, you or Dominique Cartier?

Hahaha ahhh man a-lot of battles with my guy Domo!! We handed out a lot of Ls to people in open runs across Indiana that year after the season. I must mention that! But I have to say I won the most between us for sure! It’s probably 15 wins to his 5 or somewhere around there if we count the days won.

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in your life that reached the NBA?

I came up in high school at a time where Illinois basketball was full of talent and the
AAU circuit was crazy, so i’ve played against a lot of NBA players and even now Euro
League guys. Ill say the toughest for sure would have been Jabari Parker or Josh
Jackson. I can also say Kendrick Nunn, Jahlil Okafor ,Alec Peters or Kevin Punter.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

This is tough! I don’t want to offend anybody haha so ill do 5 guys that played or are
playing professionally now.
PG: Herman Senor
SG: Me of course
SF: Evan Hinson
PF: James Edmond
C: Duane Clark

What is your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Kobe , LeBron , Kevin Durant and Shaq

Who is your GOAT?
I’ll say the GOAT is MJ for sure but my goat is KOBE. but KD is the most prolific scorer
ever!

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

No I didn’t see it, im more of a Netflix series guy. I can’t tell you the last time I went and
saw a movie.

Thanks Xavier for the chat.

2026 JBBL Champion Oliver Papez Believes The Secret To The Success Of Team Bonn/Koln Was That Family Feeling That Continued To Grow Through The Season

Oliver Papez is a 15 year old 189cm guard that plays for JBBL (U-16) team Team Bonn/Koln. He has been with the organization since the U-10 team. The vocal leader who has the German/Czech Republic spoke to germanhoops.com shortly after winning the 2026 JBBL title in Berlin.

Congrats Oliver on winning the 2026 JBBL title. What kind of a feeling is it for you?

It is a great feeling. We have all been together since the U-12. We are like a family. Our unity grew and got stronger through the season. Winning this title was the crowning point.

If someone had told you in August 2025 that you would win the 2026 JBBL title, what would you have thought?

I would of said that we definitely have a quality to be successful, but I would never have seen us as a favorite.

Did the game winner of Idbihi against Oldenburg give the team extra energy?

I think that shot showed what can happen, when you never give up through out a game of ups and downs. We just keep playing through adversary.

Both Ulm and Bonn combined for 48 points in the first quarter. Did the high scoring surprise you?

We have such offensive power that a high scoring half can always be a reality for us. If we have 4 guys hitting three´s, then we are tough to stop.

Bonn played nice team basketball in the first, third and fourth quarters, but got away from it in the second quarter. Why did that happen?

We got in a little hole in the second quarter. Ulm displayed better ball movement. We did too much 1-1. At half-time, we realized that we were in Berlin because we were a team.

What did head coach Tom Becker tell the team to do for the second half?

He remined us that we were a family and had to leave it all on the floor no matter what.

What was key for getting the win in the fourth quarter?

We did a good job hitting our three´s and also stepped up our defense a level. Ulm didn´t cover the 3 point line and didn´t rotate well.

How would you describe Finn Wohlert in a sentence?

He is an unbelievable and incredible player.

Is it fair to say that he stole the show from Marko Volf?

I think that he did. I knew he could have a game like that. He has so much potential. He had a great day. It wasn´t luck, but due to the work he puts in. Marko Volf also is an incredible player.

I love the game of Serge Ossai. He was your unsung hero. What makes him so special as a player?

He was injured a lot this season. He has been on team since the U-12. He gives a lot of offensive support. Finn, Kahlil, him and I lead the team. We have a deep rotation.

What was the biggest strength of Team Bonn/Köln this season?

No matter who played, everyone performed. If we lost, we always got up. We always gave all we had.

How special of a coach is Tom Becker. Dirk Bauermann said he belongs ot the best German talents.

He has coached me since the U-10. He knows what each player can do. We are like family. He fit perfect to the team and we accepted his style.

Will you guys celebrate on the ride home?

We will watch the rest of the games and just enjoy the day.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Finn Wohlert?

It would be a 50/50 chance.

Thanks Oliver for the chat.

Chris Widmer Is Burning For Revenge On Alba Berlin After Losing The JBBL Title 3 Years Ago In Frankfurt

pic credit: lore-flics

Time has really flown by for guys like current Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners NBBL players Ivan Crnjac, Maxi Peters and Rephael Edward since their magical JBBL season Another player that witnessed that emotional final was German/Dutch forward Chris Widmer (198-F-2007). In 2022-2023 they reached the JBBL Top 4 in Frankfurt and faced off against top team Alba Berlin, but lost a tough 93-85 nail bitter. “Playing at home against Alba Berlin in the JBBL final in front of the home crowd gave me such a unique feeling that I will never forget. Guarding Grujicic and getting a few key stops made me very proud to be part of that team”, remembered Chris Widmer. Nobody will forget the fierce battle between Alba Berlin guard Matthieu Grujicic and Ivan Crnjac who combined for 93 points as it reminded some of the older folk of the classic 1988 NBA playoff duel between Larry Bird and Dominique Wilkins. “I was amazed by their performances. That was one of the best JBBL finals of all-time that went to double overtime. They both played extraordinary games and both teams fought to the end”, said Chris Widmer. He like the rest of his JBBL teammates then went through 3 fruitful seasons helping the NBBL team move back to the A group, lose to ratiopharm Ulm in the playoffs last season to reaching the Top 4 this season. This time Widmer and his teammates are seeking revenge on Alba Berlin, but will have to beat them this time in their living room. “I’d definitely say that reaching the 2026 NBBL Top 4 is one of my highest accomplishments so far and it’s great to have reached it with this team. To play against the best players in Germany is a great chance to prove yourself. Also being in the Top 4 for the second time is really special”, stressed Chris Widmer.

Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners had a solid NBBL regular season reaching the playoffs and showed real grit, determination and heart as they overcame 4 do or die games against IBAM and Science City Jena to earn the ticket to Berlin. Who could ever forget game 3 against Science City Jena that was played in a loud and boisterous BCM living room of Frankfurt. Frankfurt couldn´t hit the ocean in the first half having a lousy 0/16 shooting from the parking lot. Czech Rebublic guard Luka Smazak finally stopped the shooting drought making that first trey and soon Ivan Crnjac nailed 3 in a row sparking the come back and later in crunch-time, Crnjac scored again as did Smazak that heled pave the way to the win. “We knew at some point that the shots were going to fall. Of course we had to adapt to the fact that we missed all of our 3s but as we all saw the important shots were made in crunch time”, remembered Chris Widmer. After 40 minutes, the score board read 68-64 for Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners. One couldn´t hold back Ivan Crnjac who must have had very tired arms as his fist pumping and celebrating in the seconds after must of made him extra pooped after leaving his heart on the court like all the rest of his teammates. Did Frankfurt want it a bit more than Jena at the end? “Both teams were definitely fighting and also Jena played a very tough game so props to them. We made the deciding shots and came up on top. We were not going to lose game 3 at home”, warned Chris Widmer. Frankfurt developed fighting spirit after the sensational 3 game series win over IBAM and heightened it a bit more during the exciting 3 game series win over Science City Jena. But they also proved some other things to themselves. “We overcame adversity and believed in ourselves especially when we faced difficult situations. We came back in the first round of the playoffs and stood our ground in the second. We proved ourselves to be one of the best teams in Germany”, expressed Chris Widmer.

The success of Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners was all about team as it has so many special players like German prospect Jamie Edoka who unfortunately injured himself last week in a easyCredit BBL game in Chemnitz and won´t be able to suit up. His teammates will miss him dearly. “Jamie Edoka is an excellent player, he proved himself multiple times in several competitions. But the most important thing is that he has our backs at anytime, regardless the circumstances which makes him an even better teammate. He’s able to create a lot on his own, which opens up more opportunities for the offense. Using this and our other abilities such as shooting and defensive presence, we can harmonize pretty well. I’m confident to say that he can reach anything, also the NBA”, warned Chris Widmer. One guy who will definitely play in Berlin will be the universal genius Ivan Crnjac who will surely have that JBBL final loss to Alba Berlin in the back of his mind. “Ivan is also a fantastic player. As you say his shooting ability helped us in the deciding moments but his leadership role is as important for the team. And I think it’s needless to say that he is finishes with solid numbers around the basket making him pretty versatile”, added Chris Widmer. One player that will deem even more key will be long player Maxi Peters who is a mix between Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum and Johannes Voigmann. His input will be even more valuable with Edoka out. “Maxi can play multiple positions, as he plays the 4 and also 5. He has a strong presence around the basket but also can hit 3s consistently. He often also leads in rebounding throughout the games in this season. He is very important for the team”, said Chris Widmer. The team also has another very special player named Rephael Edward who is as undersized as they get at 190cm who has to play center. He isn´t a second Jeff Gibbs, but he has qualities that is seldom seen. It is fair to say that no one has a bigger heart than him. “Raffy as we call him is without a doubt our hustle player and as you say plays with such a determination that it´s safe to say he has the biggest heart. He does a great job rebounding and playing defense. In the game against Jena he made very important defensive plays”, warned Chris Widmer.

The journey in Berlin to win 2 games against top competition with teams like Alba Berlin, ratiopharm and the Young Rasta Dragons doesn´t become any easier when 2 starters like Jamie Edoka and Julius Messer are out. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners are clearly the underdog in Berlin. But all the Frankfurt kids are competitors and won´t be going there just to see the arena and be happy that they made it there. “I mean of course we are ready to go against any team. They always show up as a solid team and we want to do everything to defeat the home team. With the players that we have, I’m confident to say that we have a chance for the title”, stressed Chris Widmer. Often when a club makes that big upset, there is less left in the second upset game simply because that first game donned like a final. Do Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners have what it takes to make 2 upsets? “The key factor for us is to stick to our game plan and especially to stay calm when we face adversity. If we play solid defense and deliver on the offensive end it won’t be easy for the other teams to stop us”, commented Chris Widmer. With 2 key players out, other guys will have to step up and Chris Widmer will be exactly one of those players. He averaged 12 minutes more in the NBBL than the Pro B and averaged 5/2 in the NBBL. What exactly will fans see from his game in Berlin? “I myself can play on multiple positions. If the team needed me on 5, I did. If I was more needed as a wing player, I did. I always try to play with high intensity and am able to defend any type of player. For the team I simply adapt to what is needed from me and go from there. Of course I’m able to deliver on the offensive end too”, warned Chris Widmer. It isn´t only the players that will have to give all they have, but also head coach Thore Bethke will have to produce all he has from the sidelines. He always looks so calm no matter during a game or not. Can he get loud when needed? “Our head coach has a very balanced personality but of course can give us a push when we need one. And of course he guided us through the number of games reminding us that we had the upper hand regarding the series and we just had to stick to our game”, stated Chris Widmer. It will be interesting to see if Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners will have a very special weekend in Berlin. One thing is for sure, if they can pull off 2 upsets, then it could be one of the biggest weekends ever in the history of the Skyliners youth program.

2026 AST Champion Fin Borczanowski Was Extra Motivated In The Final As He Wasn’t Going To Be Second Again

Pic credit: IamwoSz

Three is a charm was the perfect phrase for Fin Borczanowski (195-F-2008) at the 2026 Albert Schweitzer Tournament as he had suffered the last few years in the German JBBL and NBBL Top 4´s in Berlin. Last season he lost in the semi finals to FC Bayern Munich 83-63, but severe heart break had already surfaced 2 years ago when he was in the JBBL (U-16) final against the EWE Baskets Juniors Oldenburg. It was the perfect David and Goliath scenairo where you had the overwhelming favorite with Alba Berlin against the massive underdog from Oldenburg. Oldenburg was the more energetic team that should of slammed the door shut in the second half, but allowed Alba Berlin to come back. Oldenburg led 74-72 and Alba Berlin had the last shot from Jona Drucke, but it fell short. “I thought that it would go in. Even though I contested it, it looked so good. When he released it I was thinking please don´t go. I had that Kawhi Leonard feeling”, remembered Djorde Klaric. But there woudn´t be a third hard ship for Borczanowski as he finally won a gigantic title. “I was very overjoyed when the buzzer sounded and we had won. I never thought that we could be so dominant since we had never played together before, but we always knew what we were capable of. I had often been second in the past and now I had finally made it. It was extra special winning it together with Anton Kemmer. We said before the final that we wouldn´t be second again and we kept that promise”, stressed Fin Borczanowski.

Pic credit: IamwoSz

Germany played Bahrain first and used it as a warm up destroying the Asian team 116-59. Germany totally controlled the boards 55-31 and had 6 players score in double figures led by Lucai Anderson with 16 points. Having Bahrain first was good for us getting into the tournament. We could get used to everything especially ourselves with each other on the court. We also figured out what we also still needed to work on”, said Fin Borczanowski. Jamie Edoka had a solid first game scoring 11 points and filled the stat sheet and was on his way to becoming one of the best players in the tournament. “Jamie can simply do everything on the court. He did a really good job carrying the team through the tournament”, stated Fin Borczanowski. Germany next faced Slovenia and had their toughest challenge of the tournament. Germany started slow and had to play catch up basketball for most of the game. Germany picked up the intensity in the fourth quarter at both ends and won it with the masterful game winner by Jamie Edoka. “We learned that we had to have better starts in games. We needed to start with more energy. We also understood that if it is close, we can still stay with an opponent”, added Fin Borczanowski. Edoka closed out the game with a pretty step back jumper on the baseline where the basketball God let it bounce around on rim and back board before finally rolling in. “Jamie´s shot looked a bit long when he released it. I first didn´t think that it would go in, but was more so overjoyed when it did”, expressed Fin Borczanowski. Germany controlled the boards again 41-33 with 16 offensive rebounds and had 4 guys score in double figures. Lucai Anderson was top scorer with 16 points and nailed big three´s when Germany needed it in their come back. Caspar Vossenberg added 13 points and was one of those silent hero´s during the tournament stepping up in so many ways. “I feel like Caspar´s dunk were vital for our motivation. It helped us that we had a chance in games”, commented Fin Borczanowski. Germany next faced Turkey where many Turkish fans showed up adding to a beautiful atmosphere. Germany was in control in the first half, but had a horrible third quarter being outscored 24-4, but retreated in the fourth quarter demonstrating that they can flip the switch at any time exploding for 29 points and winning easily 95-80. “They were a year younger than us. They were physical and we had our problems with them at first. But when we began to run more and better, they couldn´t keep up with us”, said Fin Borczanowski. Germany once again dominated the boards 44-26 and offensive rebounds 20-8 and shot a potent 46% from outside. Germany was led by Lucai Anderson with 26 points and had 4 players in double figures. Anton Kemmer had a solid game of 11 points, but was in the shadow of Lucai Anderson´s brilliant scoring game. “ Anton is very versatile. He has the ability to hit three´s despite being very tall. His size also helped us immensely on the rebound and on defense”, added Fin Borczanowski.

Pic credit: IamwoSz

Germany then faced Sweden in the fourth game and won 91-56. After a tight first quarter, Germany then played consistent ball in the last 3 quarters averaging 22 points and allowing only 11 points on the way to a comfortable victory. Germany led by as much as 35 points and won the rebound duel 61-32. They also forced them to 6/37 shooting from outside. “Our plan was to take them apart on the offensive glass and we did that. Leonard Kroger gave us a big lift on the offensive glass and on defense”, commented Fin Borczanowski. Germany spread the love around with scoring once again totaling 5 players in double figures led by Edoka´s 15 points. Orange Academy big man Felix Kiehlneker had a great game of 12/13. “Felix is big, moves really well for his size. He is really skilled on the pick and roll and good at alley-ops. You can always lob the ball and be sure that he will be there”, said Fin Borczanowski. The German domination continued against Japan winning 103-78. After a tight first quarter, Germany then exploded for 62 points in the second and third quarters paving the win. “Japan was really annoying to play. They were small and were always on the ball. But we decided the game quickly running and using our size advantage”, stressed Fin Borczanowski. Germany was led by Caspar Vossenberg with 17 points and had 4 guys score in double figures and won the rebound battle again easily 61-32 with 20 offensive rebounds. Germany was 5-0 and now met Brazil in the semi-finals. Was any one going to stop them? Germany witnessed a tight scoring first half leading 51-50, but stepped it up in the third quarter exploding for 31 points and took it up another notch in the last frame with 39 points winning 121-98. Did Germany make any major adjustments in the second half? “The Brazil game was a crazy one to play. We scored so much that game. Anderson and Edoka combined for 47 points as Anderson led all scorers with 26 points. “Lucai can shoot from all positions on the court. He showed in all the games how good of a shooter he can be and how he can score with ease”, stressed Fin Borczanowski. Germany won the rebound battle again 40-24, shot 42% from outside and only coughed up the ball 9 times.

pic credit: IamwoSz

The final was a close battle against Slovenia. Germany led 46-38 at the break, but in the second half Slovenia led briefly until Germany got the lead back and never looked back despite winning the second half only 41-37. “The difference was that we stuck together and played a team. We played good defense at the end and hit our shots”, explained Fin Borczanowski. Germany was led by Edoka with 17 points and had 4 guys score in double figures and won the rebound battle again 49-36. ”Our biggest strength in this tournament was that we always stuck together. Even when we were behind, nobody ever got down. We just kept playing with high energy and played fast. Nobody could stop us”, warned Fin Borczanowski. After the win, coach Alan Ibrahimagic was greeted with a massive shower in the dressing room. There was a team dinner and then most guys were on their way home except for Anderson and Dopfer who left Sunday to travel back to the states. The German who lists players Igor Stjepanovic of Slovenia and Kenchiro Benedict of Japan that impressed him most during the tournament had a solid tournament averaging 10/2/1 “I was content with my game. It was the first time that I was with the youth national team. I was happy with all my games except the final. I noticed that I need to work on my body and shot”, said Fin Borczanowski. He played against 6 different nations and against the best youth players on earth which helped his game make another step. “I saw that I could stick with every opponent with my drive and athleticism. I also hit my three pointer at the end of the tournament”, added Fin Borczanowski. It was the first time that he played for head coach Alan Ibrahimagic and was able to learn so much in such a short time. “I liked playing for Alan. He gave me trust to score. I knew that if I made a mistake, it wasn´t the end of the world. I liked how he balanced the minutes well of all the players”, explained Fin Borczanowski. It will be interesting to see where Fin Borczanowski´s journey will go in the next few years. However for now he is totally focused on helping Lok Bernau win the Pro B title and get Alba Berlin back to the NBBL Top 4.

Lance Jeter Wants Fans To Remember Him AS The General Who Cared About Nothing But Winning And Being The Leader Of Men

Lance Jeter (191-PG-1988, college: Nebraska) is a former professional player that enjoyed a prosperous 8 year career overseas playing in countries like Holland, Poland, Germany, France, Lithuania and China. He began his basketball career at Beaver Falls high school and then played 2 years at Polk and then finished at the University of Nebraska (NCAA) averaging 7.5ppg, 3.8rpg, 4.1apg, FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 68.9% and 11.7ppg, 4.4rpg, 4.5apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 72.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

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

Back Home In Pittsburgh Pa Coaching HS Basketball With Brother Ramone In Our Hometown Beaver Falls PA & Also Running Our AAU Basketball Organization 4th Through HS

You retired back in 2019. Has time flown by quickly in the last 6 years?

Times Sometimes Feel Like It’s Moving Fast But I Enjoy Being Home Coaching My Kids Watching Them Grow Up & Giving Back To My Community!

I always saw you as a player that everyone wanted as a teammate and everyone hated to play against. Is that a fair assessment of how you were as a player?

Yes Always The Type Of Player To Pass First & Get My Teammates Involved & Focus On Winning That’s Always Been My Main Goal! Play Physical & Tough & Always Be A Leader Out There! Even If It’s Sacrifices My Personal Stats I All I Wanted To Do Was Win!

You won 7 titles as a pro and that is probably more than 85% of all pro´s in the world. Did you achieve most that you wanted as a pro player or was their something you didn´t achieve that you would have liked?

Like I Said The Main Goal Was To Win always Has Been Since I Was a Kid Playing This sport! I wanted to Be very successful As A Player & When It Was All Set & Done They Would Say No Matter Where He Went He Won!

You had a nice 8 year career. But I´m sure you could of played longer. How was your body feeling like in 2019?

My body Was feeling great. I Just Came Off averaging 24 Points A Game In Europe Cup Play With Donar & Was feeling Good! It wasn’t My Idea To Stop Playing Covid Came & Things Was Unclear And Uncertain In The World So That Kind of was The Reason I Stoped Playing & The Market Changed Oversea With Pay And That Nature!

Often guys retire because the body is hutting down or some great opportunity off the court came about. Why did you retire at age 30?

Yea Wasn’t My Idea To Be Done I Felt Great Was Training To Get Ready For The Next Season & Now Since I Train 4 Times A Week It’s Just Old Habits Athletes Can’t Break Just Wanted To Be in Shape & Live A Healthy Lifestyle But Then Covid Happened & That Just Change Everything In 2019 & Was The Waiting Game After That Then Two Years Go Bye. You Have To Provide For Your Family Can’t Keep Waiting!

Was the first year tough after retiring? What did you miss most from the game?

It was Very Tough Especially because It Wasn’t On My Terms Like I Said I Wasn’t Ready To Be Done & Felt Like I Had A lot To Prove Still So It Was Tough Mentality For Sure! Darks Days You Go From Doing Something You Love and Then Suddenly It Stops So I Had To Really Get Out That Head Space & Find Something That Makes Me Happy Again To Avoid That Empty Space In My Heart!

What have you been doing since retirement? Do you have a normal 9-5 job?

Coaching Basketball & Football & Running My AAU Basketball Organization With My Brother! It’s Giving Me Focus & Happiness To Help The Next Generation & My Community To Take This Thing Further Than I Ever Did & Just Give Them The Opportunity & Things I’ve Learned Over The Years & Push Them Further Than I Did!

Do you still have a connection to basketball?

I Still Have The Connection To Basketball State Side & International! Like I Said I’ve Find Ways To Filled That Gap That’s Been In My Heart From Not Being Able To Play Professionally Anymore & Help The Next Generation Coming Up & I Love It!

You began at Polk College. Every guy that I have interviewed that played JUCO have said it was a tough grind but one that they wouldn´t have missed for the world. How was it for you?

The Toughest Times For Sure Because You Feel Like Your Being Left Behind! Your Watching All These Guys You Compete Against In HS On TV & They are On The Big Stage On TV & You Took The Juco Right Knowing You Belong On The Same Stage as Them So It’s Tough But It Builds Character and Makes You So Much More Hungry and Humble With A Chip On Your Shoulder To Get To That Next Level & You Build Life Long Friendships/Brothers From Juco Some Of Best Friends Came From Polk County With Me & We Been Locked In 10 Plus Years Now!

You then played 2 seasons at the University of Nebraska (NCAA) averaging 7.5ppg, 3.8rpg, 4.1apg, FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 39.7%, FT: 68.9% and 11.7ppg, 4.4rpg, 4.5apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 72.8%. What kind of a player did you become there?

Nebraska Really Showed Me What Type Of Player I Could Be! My Junior Year & Senior Year Was Night & Day! Had To Get Used To How Fast & Strong The Big 12 Was At That Time & It Was Tough My Junior Year But Once I Got Used To It My Senior Year Was Great! I did A lot Of Great Things In Those Two Years & Was Coached By A Really Great Coach In Doc Sadler! I Really Left My Mark On Nebraska In A Short Period Of Time!

How tough was that first season. The team started off hot winning 9 of 11 games, but then finished the season losing 14 of 16 games? What did you learn from that season?

Getting Used To The Big 12! Every Night Your Playing Against A NBA Player Pretty Much So I Had To Get Used To The Pace Of The Big 12 & Like I Said It Showed Me What Type Of Player I Wanted To Be & Leader & I Was Very Hungry My Senior Year To Leave My Mark On My School & The Big 12.

You had many great games like a 27/10/5 game in a tough 83-82 loss to Iowa State. What was your fondest moment on the court in the NCAA?

Best Moments Was My Senior Year We Beat Some Great Teams That Year! We beat a Good USC Team When We we were down By 20 At The Half! Beat The #21 Team In The Country Missouri Beat The #10 Team In The Country Texas A&M & Beat The #2 Team In The Country Texas So A lot Of Great Wins For Our Program That Year!

What memories do you have of German Christian Standhardinger. Was he a joker off the court?

Christian Standhardinger Was A Funny Guy Someone Who Could Score Everywhere On The Court and Knew How To Get To His Spots & Had A lot Of Energy. I Loved Playing With Him!

How did head coach Doc Sadler groom and prepare best for a professional career?

Coach Doc Helped Me Become A Better Leader On The Court! He Tested Me A lot and Pushed me to The Limit With Me To See If I Can Handle It and see If I’ll Break & I Owe Him A lot Since I Got There He Put The Basketball In My Hands and Let Me Run The Show I’m Very Thankful For That He Showed Me How Important Defense Was!

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Henry Sek?

Sek Is Offensively One Of The Best Players I’ve Every Had The Chance To Play With He was a Real LIfe Master On Offense He is One Of Those Players Who Has Multiple Counters To Your Defense! Really A Student Of The Game I Learn A lot From Sek who is One Of My Good Friends! I´m Proud Of Everything He Does On The Court!

You played your rookie season for Lasaulec Aris Leeuwarden (Holland-Eredivisie) averaging 16.ppg, 3.8rpg, APG-5 (3.4), 1.3spg, FGP: 59.6%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 73.0%. What was your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

Holland is a Special Place. The People Are Great Very Welcome! Of Course My 1st Year Was Tough Just Learning The Culture Of Holland But Very Quickly I Felt At Home & Was Comfortable because Of The People Of Holland Made Me Feel That Way & I’m Forever Grateful To Them For Making It Easy!

How vital was Tjoe De Paula in your rookie season? Was he like a mentor for you?

Tjoe Was Very Important To My Rookie Year Someone Who Helped Me Soon As I Got There & Showed Me Around & Made Sure I Was Good! We Had A lot Vets On That Team Also Mark Sanchez Was Also Big Part Of My Rookie Year & Him & Tjoe Became Family To Me Years Later we Were Able To Win Championships Together So They are My Brothers & I Love Them Guys Very Much!

You played your second pro season with Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany-BBL) averaging 7.5ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 32.0%, FT: 70.1%. You had so many incredible teammates like Daniel Theis, John Bryant, Per Guenter, Allan Ray, Phillip Schwethelm or Steve Esterkamp. What guy had the biggest impact on you?

Great Team In Ulm! With A lot Of Great Players A Special Season! Allan Ray & John Bryant Had The Biggest Impact On Me & Helped Me Get Through My 2nd Year I Had To Get Used To A New Country & New Language They Helped Me A lot Especially Allan Ray I Was With Him A lot He Showed Me How Take Care Of Business On & Off The Court! They Showed Me The Ways Of Being A Professional Appreciate Them Two So Much!

You played 1 Euroleague game and battled Mire Chatman who was one of the greatest American guards in his generation overseas. Does knowing that mean more to you now than back in the moment? You really played against incredible players.

Yes Got A Chance To Play Mire Few Times One Time In Euroleague & Couple More Times in Euro Cup He was Someone Who Made The Game Look So Easy He never Seemed Like He Was Speeding Up Game. He Was Very Smooth! I’m went Into The Game Not Knowing Who These Guys were But Found Out Quickly They Got A lot Of Game With Them!

What memories do you have of the tough 5 game series loss to Oldenburg? Games 3-5 were so tight. You battled against BBL legend Rickey Paulding.

I Remember That Series Very Much. Per Guenter Was Injured In The Beginning Of The Series So I Started & Was Ready For My Moment & Had Some Good Games. I Remember Per Not Fully 100% But Coach Wanted Him To Start & Just Didn’t Feel Right To Me because I Felt I Was Playing Great That Series Knowing Per Wasn’t His Self So That Game 5 I Felt Like I Could of Played More Minutes! Ricky Paulding Is One Of Those Players I For Sure Looked Up To The Way he kept Himself Ready Each Year As He Got Older and The Way He Adapted To The Game. His Shot Got Better Later In His Career & Still Would Surprise You with A Dunk On You If You Weren´t Ready! He was a True Legend & Professional. He is a Great Person and it Was A Honor To Watch Him Through The Years.

You then played with Trefl Sopot (Poland-TBL) averaging 8.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.7apg, FGP: 40.9%, 3PT: 27.6%, FT: 74.8%. You won the Super Cup which was your first pro chip. What memories do you have of that season?

We Beat Rosa For The 3rd Place In The League. We Took Stelmet To 5 Games Where They Beat Us To Go On The Championship They Had A Really Great Team It Was A Tough Battle! That Season Was A lot Of Up & Down Moments For Myself & The First Time In My Career Where I Got Tested Mentally!

Then came your Jordan like run playing for Donar Groningen (Holland-Eredivisie) and winning 6 titles from 2014-2017. Were these some of your best times in your life?

Being In Groningen Was The Best Times For Me, I was Used To The Country By Now & Knew My Way Around & Knew My Teammates From My Rookie Year In Leeuwarden & Had Tjoe With Me & Mark & Jason Made Everything So Much Better & Comfortable For Me It was Truly The Best Time With The Best Fans In Holland that Supported Us!

This was also your best years. You averaged 14,0ppg twice and led the Dutch league in assists and was second once. Was it playing with great teammates that helped you to success?

My Success For Sure Came From Having Veterans Teammates Who Only Cared About Winning & Letting Me Be Myself & Play My Game With A Coach Who Let Me Be Myself & Just Having Fun On The Court & Off The Court Being A Real Family. It Showed On The Court When We Were Playing! For Sure I Owe My Teammates A lot Of Credit For Letting Me Be Myself!

Jason Dourisseau came in your second season and remained after you left and would win more titles there. Was he one of your best teammates ever?

Jason Dourissea is Probably My Best Teammate, Someone Who Was Always Finding The Positivity In Every Situation. Someone Who Was A True Professional and Came Ready To Work Every Day, A True Leader Someone I Looked Up To and Who Helped Me Become A Better Leader On The Court! He showed Me How To Be A Leader Of Men! He Is Someone I´ll Put him Up There With Ricky Paulding A Real Leader & Professiona. l Love Jason Like A Big Brother Little Brother Relationship! And I´m Rooting For Him As He Is The Head Coach For Groningen Now!

You beat Zwolle twice for the Dutch title. Which title was tougher to win?

When We Played Zwolle Those Two Years, I’m Going Be Honest It Wasn’t Tough At. It Was Very Easy To The Point All We Were Worried About was Nobody Get Injured & We Will Be Just Fine! Our Team Was Really That Good & Most Of Those Games We Barely Played In The 4th Q Because The Games Wasn’t Close Or Felt Close At All!

You also played a season with ultimate player Marcus Hatten. What memories do you have of him` Was he like a role model for you?

When I Went Back To Germany Marcus Hatten Came To The Team 2nd Half Of The Season & You Can Tell He Was a Smart Veteran Someone Who Didn’t Get Sped Up While He Was Playing & For Sure Someone Who Helped Me See The Game In Different Ways & Tried To Be Few Steps Ahead Of Your Opponent So He For Sure Help Me A lot During My Time There!

You played a season with JL Bourg Basket (France-ProA) averaging 6.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 3.4apg, FGP: 42.5%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 63.6%. What memories do you have of France? How did the France Pro A compare to the best leagues you played in then? Was it more elite than BBL in Germany at that time?

My Time In France Was Challenging Because It Was A New League & It’s Where I Wanted To Be Challenged Coming From Holland I Felt Like I Did Everything I Could Possibly Do In That League And Was Looking For a New Challenge To Test Myself & The French League For Sure Did That. It was Very Fast Uptempo, Very Athletic Players Also Felt Being My 1st Year Of College Again Had To Adjust To The Game & I Think I Did That the 2nd Part Of The Season! It’s Two Styles Of Play. The BBL Is More Physical & France Pro A Is More Faster A lot Of Skillful Players Both Great Leagues!

You were in Lithuania, China and Holland for your final season. That was like a roller coaster ride. How crazy was this last season? You seemed to see it all that last season.

It Was A Roller Coaster But I Just Wanted To Be Comfortable And Feel Like I Was At A Place That felt Like Home & Of Course Holland Was That Place But Not Just For Me But For My Family As Well So That Was My Main Reason To Head Back To Holland!

How would you like fans to remember Lance Jeter the player?

I would Like The Fans To Remember Me As The “General” Someone Who Cared About Nothing But Winning. A Leader Of Men Someone Who Had Fun & Love Playing The Game He Loved. A Player Who Made Sure To Involve The Fans With The Game! A True Winner!

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

There were So Many Players It’s Hard To Pin Point One! Kansas Had A lot Of Great Players Of Course Who Was Very Tough! The Morris Twins Had A Few Great Teams. A Few Of Those Texas Teams Was Very Tough With A Few NBA Players. Baylor Had A Few Great Players & Oklahoma State Had James Anderson. He Was A Elite Scorer There Texas AM Had Few Good NBA Players So Many Players!

Who were your 3 toughest players that you faced overseas?

Igor Rakocevic Is A Legend Was who was Very Good For The Red Stars! Mire Chatman Was Very Good Very Tough To Guard & Bobby Brown In The German League Made It Look Very Easy When I Was Playing Him & Jenkins For Oldenburg Was Very Tough To Guard So Quick and could Shoot The Ball!

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

1. Allan Ray 2. John Bryant 3. Chase Fieler 4. Zach Peacock 5. Jason Dourisseau Honorable Mention Tjoe Mark Sanchez Chase Simon Sean Cunningham Ross Bekkerking

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore (5 best players ever)?

Steph Curry MJ Kobe Bryant LeBron James Shaq

Who is your GOAT?

My Goat (Kobe Bryant)

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

They Should Have Left It Alone Some Movies Don’t Need Sequel And That’s One Of Them!

Thanks Lance for the chat.

Radii Caisin´s(Skyliners) Special Role Consists Of Him To Always Look And Try To Take The Perfect Shot Every Time
,
Foto credit: Dmitrij Zibart | ZIBART.

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.

Thanks Radii for the chat.

Raymond Cowels(Trefil Sopot) Knows That Studying Ray Allen And Having That Unwavering Belief In Himself And Repetitions Will Always Help Him Be A Great Shooter

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) 

Jordan 

Lebron 

Keven Durant 

Who is your GOAT?

Ray Allen 

Thanks Ray for the chat.

Jalen Brooks(Salon Vilpas) Is A Dog On The Court That Does What He Can To Give His Team A Chance To Win

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

Thanks Jalen for the chat.

Marko Dordevic´s (Orange Academy)Last Free Throw Felt Good And He Knew It Would Go In Sealing Win Against BG Leitershofen

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.

Thanks Marko for the chat.

FC Bayern Basketball 2 Overcome Scare And Skyliners Juniors Comeback Grinding Out 95-90 Win On The Road

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.