soccer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We will see after this series is over.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks Edie for the chat.

Timo Lanmueller (Skyliners) Learns Something New Each Day And In The Massive Win Over Ludwigsburg It Was That Next Play Mentality

Pic credit: Dmitrij Zibart | ZIBART.DE

Timo Lanmueller (193-SG-2001) is a 23 year old Austrian-German 193cm shooting guard that is playing his first season with the Fraport Skyliners. He began his basketball career in the ratiopharm Ulm system playing in their youth program as well as for Pro B farm team Orange Academy. He was able to play 2 easyCredit BBL games. He then moved to the Tigers Tuebingen where he played parts of 4 seasons playing 100 pro A games and last season played 30 BBL games averaging 2.7ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.4apg. He spoke to germanhoops.com on the eve of his birthday after the big 77-69 win over the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg

Congrats Timo on the 77-69 win over the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg. How big was this win? You came off a 4 game losing streak in the easyCredit BBL?

This win was really good for us. It helped us get more distance away from BG Goettingen. I think that the Mallorca trip got us more together. We want to end the season as successful as possible. We knew that Ludwigsburg would be aggressive and physical. Our goal before the game was to keep them under 75 points, win the rebounds and get less than 12 turnovers. We got 2 of the 3 goals for the game.

The MHP Riesen had also been on a losing streak. Their Fiba Europe Cup season ended against Dijon. Do you feel like mentality that loss was still in their heads? They were a team that should have gone far in the competition.

I don’t know. But they have struggled as of late losing some players. Maybe there was some disorder in the team? Maybe they were a bit surprised how we fought in the second half.

The MHP Riesen are a team that defend with passion, but offensively not a high scoring team. How proud were you with the team defensive performance keeping them to only 69 points?

Their trademark is being aggressive and physical. They do a good job getting second chance points, but in this game we did a good job taking that away from them with rebounds and getting big stops. I think it hurt them that Maldonado was out. They have streaky shooters. They hit shots early, but in the second half, we got stops when we needed it most.

Ludwigsburg had a rapid start and Frankfurt didn’t get their first field goal until the 5,10 minute mark. Was the team still in thoughts of the Mallorca stay?

It could be. We weren’t focused as usual. Perhaps our rhythm was missing a bit. I’m really proud how we stepped it up in the second half. We knew that they made some shots in first half that they don’t usually make, but we also knew if we keep forcing them to tough shots that we would be successful.

Frankfurt came back strong especially with the energy of Garai Zeeb? How valuable is this guy? You don’t get more efficient than that in the first few minutes of a game like he did?

He is a guy that grew up in the Skyliners system. The fans identity with him. We know that he is a pass first point guard and conducts the offense very well. He showed that in that phase making good decisions, getting to the free throw line and hitting a trey. He made a nice drive, but missed, but that was a good decision. He played a great game. I’m really happy for him.

The MHP Riesen took control in the second quarter. How much did the Joel Scott alley oop dunk spark them in their run?

That was an absolute highlight play in the game. I didn’t expect him to dunk like that. They were aggressive forcing us to 19 turnovers in the game and that play gave them a transition play. It gave them energy. You didn’t see much of that in the second half from them.

Frankfurt could have trailed in double figures at the break, but Jordan Theodore made back to back buckets as you trailed only 39-32. Do you personally have that sense of 100% comfort when he has the ball knowing he will deliver when the team needs it most?

Yes we have 100% trust in Jordan. He has so much experience at a high level. We simply know what he can do. He has incredible individual qualities like shooting out of the pick and roll or catch and shoot.

In the third quarter Ludwigsburg controlled the game, but Frankfurt always kept punching back. Marcus Domask gave valuable input in the second and third quarter. What do you appreciate most about his game?

He was really vital for us in those phases. He gave us a big push. I like how composed he always is on the court. He plays at his own tempo. He makes really good decisions out of the pick and role and puts defenders in jail. He is really big for his size. I liked his pass to Jacob Knauf.

The team continued to fight back and trailed only by 4 points after 30 minutes. How vital is it in general for the team to be successful when a Malik Parsons is being controlled well?

That gives us a lot of confidence for the next games. Malik won’t have many games like today when he scores so little. We made good solutions.

In the fourth quarter the Patrick brothers were a one man show in the first minutes. It isn’t normal to see 2 sons and the dad as coach. How have you seen the development of the brothers over the years?

I played with Johannes some summers ago in the U-20 German national team. I know him. I’m happy to see guys at my position doing good having a role and getting minutes in the BBL. They both work very hard and have developed really well in the last years. They both showed today that they are able to play at a high level.

The game was dead locked 63-63 at the 5,37 minute mark. Frankfurt then closed out the game with a 16-6 run. Was that the best 5 minutes of play at the end of a game this season?

Yes I think so. That was the best run at the end of a game this season. In the games against Bonn and Ulm we were ahead and got the win.

Do you believe that the back to back three’s by Parsons and Theodore broke Ludwigsburg’s back?

Yes I think so. Their three’s really helped. I think our defense and getting stops was most decisive and the three’s really helped. It is great having players like them with great individual qualities.

Do you believe that the Skyliners wanted it more in crunch-time?

Yes I think so. We were really strong on defense and rebounding.

The team buckled down on defense in the last minutes. Was that buckle down defense that would have made a Gordon Herbert proud?

I was really proud of how we played defense. I don’t know Gordon Herbert personally, but if you say that then I believe so.

Stat wise Frankfurt lost the turnovers and offensive rebounds. Where was the game won?

The total rebounds was huge as well as keeping them to 31% form the field.

What was your favorite play of the game? Maybe the crazy Theodore three pointer in crunch-time?

That was an unbelievable play by Jordan, but my favorite play was the block by Knauf on Polas. Polas had him beat, but Jacob recovered great and came back and made the block.

The Frankfurt Skyliners next battle ratiopharm Ulm. The next game is against ratiopharm Ulm. Will you win it for Booker Coplin or will he be back? There are rumors he may be back?

I read that online. But I can’t confirm that. The Skyliners haven’t communicated anything. Of course we would want to win for Booker.

The first game against Ulm was spectacular as you won it on a buzzer beater. What will be ‘key to getting win?

We have to do the same as against Ludwigsburg and match Ulm’s intensity and physicality. We also need a good offensive day. That would really help. We have to also play with good tempo, rebound well and generate good team shots.

The team was in Mallorca for a week. What kind of a team was it going there and what kind of a team was it when it left?

When we arrived in Mallorca, we had that certain distance as a team. We got to know each other better off the court doing various team functions. We got together more and now know how each other ticks and how to support each other.

Has Klaus Perwas implemented anything drastically new to the overall game plan since the departure of Denis Wucherer?

The biggest difference is that Klaus wants us to be more dynamic on offense. He wants us to move the ball more left to right. He really likes discipline and hates when the offense doesn’t have movement.

Unfortunately you don’t play much, but you can soak up so much from each game. What was the most important thing that you learned from this game?

I leaned the next play mentality in this game. In the past when other teams went on runs, you would see us put our heads in the sand and lose. Today when we had bad phases, we showcased that next play mentality. That helped our team and me a lot.

How did you like the dunk by Mac McClung at the 2025 NBA slam dunk contest. Where do you rate it all-time?

That is tough to say. There have been so many great dunks. The best dunk contest for me was the Aaron Gordon vs Zack Levine one. I also liked Michael Jordan’s dunk from the free throw line. I will rate McClungs dunk at #3.

The Dallas Mavericks only have 8 guys. How crazy is their injury problems? Has the basketball God jinxed them?

I don’t know if it was a jinx. They have had some real tough times as of late. They trade their best player and get Davis that gets injured. Many are questioning the front office and their decisions. They have to live with the consequences. It is really bitter that they have so many injuries, but at the end of the day, it’s their own fault.

Thanks Timo for the chat.

Eddie Hunt(Krivbas Kryvyi Rih) Continues To Grow As A Player As Playing In The Ukraine Is The Closest Thing To Normal That You Can Get To

Eddie Hunt (201-C-1996, college: Limestone) is a 28 year old 201cm forward that was born in Topeka, Kansas that is currently playing with Krivbas Kryvyi Rih (Ukraine-Superleague). He began his basketball career at Highland Park High School. He then played two seasons at Barton County Community College (JUCO) playing a total of 57 games. He then finished at Limestone College (NCAA2). He has gained professional experience in Mexico, Argentina, Italy, Estonia, Portugal and Georgia. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Tha Eddie for talking to germanhoops.com. The last time we spoke was in the summer of 2022. Has time flown by since then?

The pleasure is all mine Miles and thanks for your time of course. Man does time fly! Seems like a few days ago.

After we spoke you played the 2022-2023 season with Alianca Sangalhos (Portugal-Liga Betclic) averaging 10.6ppg, 6.1rpg, 2.3apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 47.1%, FT: 66.7%, in Jan.’23 moved to Gtuni (Georgia-A League) averaging 7.8ppg, Reb-2 (7.2rpg), 1.2apg, FGP: 42.3%, FT: 66.7%. Despite only playing 7 games in Portugal, would you say that that was your break out season?

Correct I started the 2022/23 season with Sangalhos competing against Champions Level competition. My personal goals weren’t fulfilled but doesn’t take away from the fact I played well, played consistent in the time I got the chance to suit up. So I would humbly agree that it was a break out season even though I have so much more to give.

You didn´t win a game in Portugal. Was that a reason why you went to Georgia?

Once I was released from Portugal I decided to at least find a place to stay in shape and compete, and not take the rest of the season off. My short time in Georgia I met a lot of great people.

You sent a message right in your first game scoring 19 points. How important was that game at that stand point in your career? It must have been a big confidence booster.

It definitely was a favorite of mine going against FC Porto. It wasn’t going to be easy at all but to all the hoopers around the world when you get into that “mode” nothing can stop you and just having fun while doing so. The basketball rim seemed like an ocean for me that night. Looking forward to having many more games like that game. I came into the season playing well. During the preseason games I was averaging around 17ppg 7rpg. I had a big summer in Cleveland with my trainers that prepared me leading up to a breakout season in Portugal-Liga Betclic.

You then went to Georgia. What kind of an experience was that? You were the second best rebounder in the league. How tough was it not only remembering who was who from the Georgian players, but how to pronounce their names? Did you find nicknames for them?

Hahah lucky all the guys spoke great English, and had semi English names just the last names were nearly impossible for me to pronounce. Nicknames saved me the confusion at first but once you spend enough time just learn to remember.

Last season you returned back to Portugal playing with Ginasio Olhanense (Portugal-Proliga) averaging 10.4ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 65.0%. Did Portugal become like a second home to you?

Portugal holds a special place in my heart. I love the country the people, the level of play list goes on. I don’t think people would be surprised if I was to play some time in Portugal again in the future.

How tough was this season? Again you lost many games, but this time many in crunch-time. What did you learn about yourself that season?

This season was more of a mental focus having things done a certain way in the champions league and making the transition to the 2nd league was a little more having to figure out as I went along and adjusting a lot. I spent a short time there due to an injury called “gophers elbow” and it was a nagging no injury in my shooting arms so it was impossible for me to perform so I sat out from January- end of season.

Despite playing in the second league, how do you feel did your game grow that season?

Being able to expand my range and be consistent was a start learning to stay in the moment. We had a great SG Fredrick Sims and spent some time in the NBA G-league and summer league so I was around other professionals who I could learn from and push each other in practice and so on. Growing into a consistent player was a big lesson taken from that season.

This season you moved to Krivbas Kryvyi Rih (Ukraine-Superleague). Was it easier to get a job in a place where there is a war?

This season I am playing in the Ukraine SuperLeague, I received the offer late June I recall but was on vacation in Australia so wasn’t to much of a focus for me at the time of where I was going to play. I was getting offers in South America at the time as well and I am familiar with Argentina so that was the first thought I had was if I wanted to stay in the Europe side or Latin America. Talking with a friend who played here last season, he gave me some advice on what’s going on here how life is and the level of play here. At first I was worried because of all the things I saw on television about the war just yeah how could you go wasn’t possible. Getting the advice I was given I took a chance and it has been great here for me, playing well avg 12.1ppg 8rpg and shooting 47.1% from the 3. And mostly we are winning games! In the middle of the pack in the league and looking forward to keep getting better.

What is it like being in the Ukraine in 2024. Is that war presence still there?

Being here in Ukraine has been the closest thing to normal that you can get. People are still working, walking the streets, shopping etc having their coffee Living their lives.

Was it a tough decision to go there? Family and friends must have warned you not to go and be scared for your safety.

Coming to Ukraine wasn’t too much of a worry for me. Maybe it would have been for others but my only focus was playing basketball and after hearing about the season before being a success and the day to day life here made it a peaceful decision. My family of course had thoughts and concerns but they trust me and my judgment.

The team is around 500. How would you describe the first division Ukraine to the 2 leagues in Portugal. Is this the best league that you have played in?

Yes, right now we are in the middle of the pack with good momentum. To compare wouldn’t be fair to either side I think the basketball world knows how tough Portugal first division is. There is a lot of talent and experience. 3 teams that compete in EuroCup speaks for itself. Ukraine is a league with talent mixed with hunger every night. A league with a lot of bigs along with mature guards and forwards. You must come to compete and fight every game. Portugal 2nd division I would say it’s a lot of younger guys finding a way to get on the court and get better. It is more of a development league for first division. Import talent was pretty fair around the league. If I had to rank I would say Portugal Betclic 1, Ukraine 2nd and Portugal 2nd division is 3rd. All good leagues but if I had to rank there you have it.

Have guys like Braxton Lovings and Jimmy Kelly become like brothers for you? One could call you the JUCO trio?

We all share a great bond and look at each other as brothers. Jimmy Kelly is new to the team. He’s just arrived but him and Braxton played together in college so they have a good relationship. I live alone and spend a lot of my time reading or writing while I’m home but at practice and game day we mesh really well and make it easier for each other. Both are great guys that will have great s on and off the court.

What have you appreciated most about their games and characters?

I haven’t gotten a chance to suit up with Jimmy yet but I love his aggression on both ends and the same with Braxton both young and hungry guards that defend the ball really well.

You have really had good games this season. How has your game grown there?

I have been staying the course and making sure I stay in the gym stay healthy, get in the gym a n hour before everyone gets there, and get a good workout and stay a hour after getting shots and movements in learning myself and what I’m good at has helped me this season. And I continue to build off of this.

You are an undersized big. What are you doing to continue to improve your defensive game so you can flourish against bigger bigs?

I’m playing the 4. I’ve been a 4 man pretty much every team I’ve played on. My physicality allows me to bang with taller bigs being able to play inside out or outside in depending on what is best for the team. To answer your question I would say my strength and long arms. Being 6’8 225 with 7’0 wingspan makes guarding taller forwards not an issue.

How did you celebrate Xmas this year?

This year I spent Christmas cleaning my apartment and talking with my girlfriend and family just enjoying the small things in life. Also some new Netflix series came out so helped pass the time.

What new year resolutions do you have for 2025?

2025 resolution to be a better man than I was in 2024.

Thanks Eddie for the chance.

Namori Omog Leads Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners Past Team Urspring 87-68

There is nothing better than watching real good youth u-19 basketball on a Sunday afternoon when 2 undeefated teams like Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners and Team Urspring square off. Both have had real success in the last years in the youth department as Team Urspring has won 5 NBBL titles and groomed young players then like Nicolai Simon, Lucca Staiger, Maurice Stuckey and Akeem Vargas just to name a few into solid Bundesliga players while Frankfurt won the JBBL (U-16)title once, but have reached the JBBL Final 4 and NBBL final 4´s the last years. Frankfurt has formed another fine team surrounded around top player Ivan Crnjac (203-F-2007) while Team Urspring have the luxury that a majority of the team are on the Pro B roster and combined have already played 40 Pro B games this season. One couldn´t ask for more experience. On a cold typical November afternoon Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners came on the floor with massive energy and never allowed Team Urspring to recover from their lightening start that allowed them to get a good lead which they were able to keep adding to in the next quarters. “The most important thing today was that we brought a lot of energy from the first second and were ready to play at both ends of the court. We disrupted their mentality right away which hurt their confidence. We gave a good team effort on defense helping each other and not allowing too many easy penetration baskets. We stopped their transition and rebounded very well in the second half”, stressed Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners guard Namori Omog (188-G-2006). Frankfurt jumped all over Team Urspring and they were never able to get out of the hole despite making a comeback effort in the fourth quarter. “We came out too weak and didn´t have the needed intensity. We couldn´t stop their transition and we just didn´t play well enough as a team and didn´t penetrate enough”, stressed Team Urspring German Jeno Pildner.

Ivan Crnjac hook shot

In the first quarter Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners jumped all over Team Urspring taking a early big lead, but the guests recuperated well and slid back into the game. Frankfurt began with an incredible amount of intensity at both ends taking the rapid 11-2 lead. Frankfurt had great ball movement and had lethal on ball pressure that Team Urspring had no answer for. This aggressive Frankfurt defense led to 8 big stops while on offense they displayed extreme ball movement and crisp execution. Namori Omog and Jamie Edoka scored transition baskets while athletic wing Maximilian Peters made a big trey and Mousa Tiago made a lay in and Ivan Crnjac a fade away jumper from the wing. Team Urspring got their first field goal at the 5,55 minute mark from Jeno Pildner. Frankfurt then dropped some of their defensive intensity which allowed the guests to get a trey from Guillaume Schoentgen and 2 easy lay in´s from big man Leon Geissler. It wasn´t easy for Frankfurt to contain the big man as he did a good job getting very good position and was even effective when double teamed. Frankfurt kept the lead leading 18-10 after 10 minutes as Crnjac and Edoka scored inside and Omog nailed a three pointer. “Frankfurt´s pressure was really strong. Urspring wasn´t ready for the pressure. They played better against the hedge. Frankfurt played good team ball. This was the first time that I saw Omog, Peters and Edoka play this season and they have made big steps from last season”, stated ex Frankfurt Skyliner Junior Drago Crnjac. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot 47% from the field and 25% from outside and had 13 rebounds and 7 turnovers while Team Urspring shot 31% from the field and 25% from outside and had 6 rebounds and 7 turnovers.

Travis Davis jumper

In the second quarter Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners were able to up their offense, but also allowed 17 more points than in the first quarter to the guests, but still led by 10 points at the break. Team Urspring took that momentum they found from the last minutes of the first quarter into the second as they began with a 12-6 run to trail Frankfurt only 26-22. Suddenly it was a game again. In the run Team Urspring moved the ball well and got many involved. Diminutive point guard Travis Davis who came from Ludwigsburg scored twice using his quickness while versatile Schoentgen added 5 points and Pildner added a lay in. Frankfurt had lost energy on defense and the guests upped their defensive intensity getting easy transition baskets and forcing turnovers. Ivan Crnjac hit 2 clutch three pointers to keep Frankfurt ahead. His high release continues to help him this season. “Ivan has shown also in the Pro B his good outside shooting. He worked a lot on his shot this year. He also understands that a high release can be a strength. It makes so much harder to block and he is using that to his advantage”, explained brother Drago Crnjac. In the next minutes, Namori Omog was a one man wrecking crew adding 7 points, but Frankfurt led only 33-26. “He uses his athleticism to his advantage. He is so quick and uses his athleticism to create for others”, commented Drago Crnjac. Team Urspring executed a lot better and attacked the rim better getting easy lay in´s from Callum Macaulay and Felix Stoll, but still trailed 33-30. The guests just couldn´t get over the hump. Frankfurt then calmed down and closed out the second quarter with a lethal 12-5 run to lead 45-35. In the run Frankfurt got a lay in from Peters and trey from Crnjac while also getting to the free throw line as Omog scored 4 points. “Frankfurt defended well giving only 35 points. Frankfurt rebounded a lot better showing more concentration and hustle”, stated Drago Crnjac. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot 47% from the field and 38% from the three point line and had 18 rebounds and 12 turnovers while Team Urspring shot 50% from the field and 40% from the three point line and had 11 rebounds and 14 turnovers.

Jamie Edoka lay in

In the third quarter Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners totally broke open the game scoring 28 points allowing 10 points less than in the second quarter and led by as much as 30 points and led by 22 points after 30 minutes. Frankfurt began with a harsh 13-4 run to lead 58-39. In the run, Frankfurt received massive production from sharp shooter Maximilian Peters (206-F-2007) who sunk 3 three pointers and Omog was as aggressive as always making 2 lay in´s on account of his quickness and athleticism. After a Davis off balance jumper, Frankfurt was at it again launching their next lethal run scoring 13 unanswered points to lead 71-41. In the run, Frankfurt got added support from Peters who supplied 5 points and his fourth three pointer of the quarter, while Edoka also got into the action scoring twice using his mid range game and made a reverse lay up while Mousa also scored. That basketball is a game of runs is so secret as Team Urspring weren´t fazed by that Frankfurt run and closed out the third quarter with a swift 10-2 run to trail 73-51 after 30 minutes. In the guests run, they were aided by 2 three´s from Schoentgen and Pildner. “We didn´t come in with the mind set. We just weren´t there mentally”, stated jeno Pildner. “We did a good job finding the right guy with Peters who got hot and just continued to give him the ball. We have no ego´s. We just give the guy who has the hot hand the ball. And Peters is a good shooter. We played at a high intensity at both ends and got to the free throw line”, said Namori Omog. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot 56% from the field and 50% from the parking lot and had 26 rebounds and 18 turnovers while Team Urspring shot 42% from the field and 35% from the parking lot and had 21 rebounds and 22 turnovers.

Jeno Pildner from outside

Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners let up in the fourth quarter and Team Urspring won the quarter 17-14, but just didn´t have time to keep coming back. Team Urspring executed well in the first minutes getting big Man Leon Geissler the ball as he executed four times, but they couldn´t make ground as Peters made a floater and Crnjac a lay in on transition as Frankfurt led 79-59. After Ivan Crnjac reached the free throw line twice, Team Urspring had a strong phase going on a 9-0 run to trail 82-68. Frankfurt just didn´t have the high intensity anymore at both ends as the game was already won in their minds even if time still remained. In the run, the guests got three´s from Pildner and Julijo Kendes and a runner from Pablo Estelle. However it just wasn´t enough as time was running out. Frankfurt closed out the game strong with Omog free throws and a trey from German Fabrice Heberer. “It is harder to play well when your up 20 points than if it´s 0-0. We lost intensity. We need to work on keeping it up and continue to do those things that we did well through out the game. We finished strong with getting 3 offensive rebounds at the end”, said Namori Omog. “We made mistakes, but fought until the end. We never gave up. This was our first loss. We have to learn from it”, warned Jeno Pildner. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners were led by Namori Omog and Maximilian Peters with 23 points a piece. Ivan Crnjac added 18 points while Team Urspring was led by Jeno Pildner with 18 points while Leon Geissler added 17 points. Eintracht Frankfurt Skyliners shot 48% from the field and 36% from outside and had 39 rebounds and 23 turnovers while team Urspring shot 41% from the field and 33% from outside and had 32 rebounds and 24 turnovers.

Mr Money Ball Ivan Crnjac Leads Eintracht Frankfurt/Skyliners To Exciting 84-82 Victory Over Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg

Eintracht Frankfurt/Skyliners didn´t waste anytime getting their groove as they broke out leading 13-2. In the run, Frankfurt was led by captain Ivan Crnjac with 5 points. However Frankfurt shared the ball nicely and also got baskets from Tiago Mousa, a three by Namori Omog and a lay in by athletic wing man Maximillian Peters. Frankfurt played nice inside out basketball and played aggressive on ball defense as guards Omog and Jamie Edoka were all over the court. Ludwigsburg weren´t hitting shots, but were aggressive and getting to the free throw line as ex Ehingen German Leonard Laar did and Daniel Hinkov made a lay in to trail 16-8. But Frankfurt had no let downs as they let the 3 ball fly and had superb support from the bench as Finley Pruever nailed 2 three´s and Fabrice Heberer also scored as Frankfurt led 27-12. Ludwigsburg just couldn´t match the intensity of Frankfurt and gave up too many open three´s. Eho Idemudia added the sixth three pointer of the first quarter and even got a 4 point play as Frankfurt led comfortably 31-14. Eintracht Frankfurt/Skyliners shot 61% from the field and 55% from outside and had 13 rebounds and 4 turnovers while Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg shot 23% from the field and 13% from outside and had 6 rebounds and 6 turnovers. “We came out ready. We defended really well and that sparked our offense. We were able to play our game and get out on transition”, stated Ivan Crnjac.

Ivan Crnjac at the FT line

Eintracht Frankfurt/Skyliners didn´t waste anytime getting their groove as they broke out leading 13-2. In the run, Frankfurt was led by captain Ivan Crnjac with 5 points. However Frankfurt shared the ball nicely and also got baskets from Tiago Mousa, a three by Namori Omog and a lay in by athletic wing man Maximillian Peters. Frankfurt played nice inside out basketball and played aggressive on ball defense as guards Omog and Jamie Edoka were all over the court. Ludwigsburg weren´t hitting shots, but were aggressive and getting to the free throw line as ex Ehingen German Leonhard Laar did and Daniel Hinkov made a lay in to trail 16-8. But Frankfurt had no let downs as they let the 3 ball fly and had superb support from the bench as Finley Pruever nailed 2 three´s and Fabrice Heberer also scored as Frankfurt led 27-12. Ludwigsburg just couldn´t match the intensity of Frankfurt and gave up too many open three´s. Eho Idemudia added the sixth three pointer of the first quarter and even got a 4 point play as Frankfurt led comfortably 31-14. Eintracht Frankfurt/Skyliners shot 61% from the field and 55% from outside and had 13 rebounds and 4 turnovers while Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg shot 23% from the field and 13% from outside and had 6 rebounds and 6 turnovers. “We came out ready. We defended really well and that sparked our offense. We were able to play our game and get out on transition”, stated Ivan Crnjac.

Leonhard Laar at the FT line

In the second quarter Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg found their offensive rhythm and outscored Eintracht Frankfurt/Skyliners by 4 points but still trailed by 13 points at half-time. Ludwigsburg came out reborn in the second quarter and began with a 9-4 run to trail Frankfurt only 35-23. In the run, Ludwigsburg got full support as 2024 JBBL (U-16) top 4 candidate Armin Pivac made a lay in, Sebastian Kuhn a pretty finger tip lay in, Daniel Hinkov was alert catching a Laar airball and making the lay in while Laar also scored. Frankfurt´s defense wasn´t as tight anymore and Ludwigsburg upped their intensity and continued to attack the paint. But Frankfurt demonstrated that they can make a run like lightening making 8 unanswered points to lead 43-23. In the run Frankfurt got good support from the lethal guard duo of Omog and Edoka. Crnjac began the run with a touchdown pass to Omog for the lay in. “I have bene making these passes since I was younger. When I get the rebound my teammates run forward. They know I will pass it. I did a lot in JBBL”, said Ivan Crnjac. Omog made a steal and went on transition with Edoka left who got an alley oop pass and tap it. Raphael Edward gave great energy making 2 lay ins as Omog and Edoka distributed the dimes. But Ludwigsburg retaliated again as it was a game of runs as they smacked back with a 11-3 run to trail 46-34. In the run it was Stanislav Hinkov who was the go to guy on this day supplied 7 points and Dominic Mack added 4 points. Edoka scored again while Eneko Haug Alonso made a trey at the buzzer as they trailed 50-37. “We let up and didn´t make shots as well. We were still solid and kept the lead. On defense we had problems with communication and 1-1 defense”, stated Ivan Crnjac. Eintracht Frankfurt/Skyliners shot 54% from the field and 47% from the three point line and had 21 rebounds and 11 turnovers while Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg shot 44% from the field and 27% from the three point line and had 12 rebounds and 13 turnovers.

Stanislav Hinkov with the runner

In the third quarter Frankfurt continued to control the game, but Ludwigsburg just wouldn´t go away, but couldn´t really get over the hump as they cut the lead down to as much as 9 points. Frankfurt began with extreme energy going on a 6-2 run as Ivan Crnjac was explosive making a steal and thunderous dunk and lay in while Peters also scored in the paint as Frankfurt led 56-40. Both teams executed well as the guests continued to get great support from Sebastian Hinkov who scored 7 points, but swapped buckets with Frankfurt and just couldn´t get over the hump and trailed 60-48. Frankfurt wasn´t as stable anymore and Ludwigsburg took advantage of it and kept attacking and getting to the free throw line as Mack showed twice with baskets, but Frankfurt still led 62-52. Down the stretch Stanislav Hinkov scored again as die Edward as Frankfurt still clung to the lead 66-55. “Even when some guys didn´t score, we always had support from the bench. We knew that we could always score due to our depth”, commented Ivan Crnjac. “We were more disciplined on defense and talked more. Key for offense working better was getting stops. We got baskets on transition”, said Daniel Hinkov. Eintracht Frankfurt-Skyliners shot 51% from the field and 41% from the parking lot and had 31 rebounds and 18 turnovers while Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg shot 45% from the field and 27% from the parking lot and had 19 rebounds and 17 turnovers.

Ivan Crnjac to the hole

In the fourth quarter, Porsche BBA Ludwisgburg made on last push to make the game really exciting. They began with a bang scoring 5 points in a row. Lukas Schuetz came form the bench hitting a three pointer and then came the Dominic Mack show as he made an explosive poster dunk on Jamie Edoka as Frankfurt led only 66-60. “That was one of the most crazy poster dunks that I ever saw in my life. The whole bench got excited. You don´t see something like that often”, stated Daniel Hinkov. “That kind of a dunk belongs to the game. It came out of nowhere. It is always hard for a player to get on a poster, but he took it as motivation and played even harder”, stated Ivan Crnjac. But Crnjac struck back with free throws, a three pointer and a dunk on transition while in between, Mack made another dunk this time with 2 hands, but Frankfurt still led 74-62. There wasn´t much time left, but Ludwigsburg still had energy left and made one last run of 15-4 to suddenly trail only 78-77. In the run, it was the talented duo of the Hinkov brothers who kept chipping away and made big shots as they made 8 points combined. They also got a clutch three pointer from reserve guard Samuel Kurr and Laar made a lay in. “We wanted to win more. We had great energy that helped us in the run”, said Daniel Hinkov. Crnjac then struck with a clutch three pointer for the 82-78 lead. “My responsibility is to take big shots. I have the self-confidence and will take them”, warned Ivan Crnjac. Kuhn and Omog then traded buckets as Frankfurt led 84-80. After a Frankfurt stop, Laar made a lay in to trail 84-82. Frankfurt again was denied to close out the game and were stopped. Ludwigsburg had one more opportunity, but Stanislav Hinkov had a good look for the tie, but missed. “We defended well, but I was still a little scared when he took it. Both guys were taking those bump off step backs and making them all game long. We were a little lucky as well”, expressed Ivan Crnjac. “It was a good shot from him. We had no spacing. He is our leader and takes those kind of shots”, added Daniel Hinkov. Eintzracht Frankfurt/Skyliners were led by Ivan Crnjac with 22 points while Namori Omog and Rephael Edward chipped in with 12 points a piece while Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg was led by Stanislav Hinkov with 22 points while Daniel Hinkov added 17 points and Dominic Mack had 14 points. Frankfurt shot 46% from the field and 39% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 21 turnovers while Ludwigsburg shot 49% from the field and 30% from outside and had 29 rebounds and 20 turnovers.