Eric Washington (183-PG-1993, college: Miami, OH) is a 32 year old 182cm guard from Columbia, South Carolina playing his 10th professional season and third in Germany with the Science City Jena. In Germany he played with the NINERS Chemnitz (Germany-BBL) averaging 7.8ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 52.0%, 3PT: 21.7%, FT: 78.0% and with the MLP Academics Heidelberg (Germany-BBL) averaging 19.2, 3.8rpg, APG-2 (7.3), SPG-4 (1.8), FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 87.1%. He really jumped around the last 2 seasons playing with Monbus Obradoiro CAB Santiago de Compostela (Spain-Liga ACB) averaging 11.2ppg, 3.0rpg, 4.0apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 43.2%, 3FGP: 26.1%, FT: 75.0%, Reeder Samsunspor (Turkey-BSL) averaging 19.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 6.5apg, 1.3spg, in Feb.’24 signed at Happy Casa Brindisi (Italy-Serie A) averaging 12.9ppg, 2.6rpg, 4.7apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 61.2%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT: 88.2% and last season played with the Valley Suns (NBA G League) averaging 3.7ppg, 2.2rpg, 3.8apg, in Mar.’25 moved to Ferraroni Juvi Cremona (Italy-Serie A2) averaging 16.8ppg, 4.2rpg, 4.8apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 86.9%. He began his basketball career with W.J. Keenan High School. He then played in the NCAA playing 115 games for two schools with Presbyterian College (NCAA) and then finished at Miami University (NCAA). Before coming to Germany he played in countries like Cyprus and Bosnia and three seasons in Hungary. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big cup win in Rostock.
Congrats Eric on the big 80-79 cup win in Rostock. Does every win feel like a greater win than the one before simply because Jena is a BBL team again? Anytime you can win a game is an accomplishment. At this level it´s difficult to win games. It´s a lot preparation that goes into it so to execute it and see if come to life is always a cool experience.
Jena had a strong 25-17 lead after 1 quarter. The game was back and forth in the first minutes, but after that Jena took control. Was that the kind of team basketball every team wished they had? That is just something we are trying to emphasize as a team. It is still early and we are not where we want to be but we are enjoying the process of getting better.
The third quarter was a real dog fight as there were numerous lead changes and Rostock had the slim 58-57 lead after 3 quarters. What adjustments did Rostock make especially on the defensive end that allowed them to get the lead?
They did what any good team would do. They saw what we were doing and made adjustments at half. They started making shots and they made it a game.
The fourth quarter remained very tight and exciting. TJ Crockett was a severe menace showing his 3 level scoring. He already showed last season how valuable he was for Braunschweig. What made it so tough to slow him down?
He is a good player. He has the freedom to be that player so it makes it more challenging. He has good speed and the ability to shoot the basketball.
Lorenz Bank made a huge basket with 9 seconds and Naz Bohanon the clutch block at the end. How big was it to end the game like that on the road? Is Naz getting donuts or is he getting a dinner from his teammates? Two big time plays for my guys. We work on that everyday so for those two plays to be the deciding factor was huge. I have something planned for them for sure!
Jena is 2-2 while Trier is 4-0. What is so special with the new teams that moved up? What has been the secret to Jena´s solid start and 2-0 cup start? We have a good group of guys. We understand the opportunity that we have. We work extremely hard through the good and the bad. A lot of credit to Coach Bjorn as well cause his game planning has been good. Being able to adjust to teams and scout has been good for our team.
The team was put together very well from head coach Bjoern Harmsen. The guy is well respected and has helped teams move up leagues. What have you enjoyed most about his coaching philosophy? He wants to win as much as I do. Super motivated and super passionate about the game of basketball. So for me that´s all that I need.
What has it been like being teammates with American Tavian Dunn-Martin? He is a special point guard that can do it all. What has it been sharing the floor with him? What do you appreciate most about his game? T is ball player. Size doesn’t matter and he showed that early. His ability to shoot the ball is everything. I think he will be fine as he continues to learn the league.
You have big leadership qualities, but what kind of a dimension does a guy like Keith Braxton give the team with his play and leadership? You have to respect what he brings to the game. He brings another threat that you have to account for. His ability to shoot the ball and put it on the floor forces teams to adjust.
3 seasons ago with Heidelberg you averaged (19.2), 3.8rpg, APG-2 (7.3), SPG-4 (1.8), FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 30.9%, FT: 87.1%. You tore up the easyCredit BBL. In the last 2 years you got experience in the ACB, Turkey, G-League and Italy. How are you a better player now than in May 2023?
Patience
Currently your averaging 17/3/3/1 in the BBL. Has anything changed with the BBL since you left? Your game surely is still strong this season? Ask me that in May lol
You have many talented guys around. Is your biggest personal goal to keep Jena in the BBL like you did Heidelberg in 2022? Win a championship
Saben Lee (188-SG-1999, college: Vanderbilt) is a 26 year old 188cm shooting guard from Tempe, Arizona playing his 6th professional season and second with Olympiacos S.F.P. Piraeus (Greece-GBL). Last season he split time with Maccabi Playtika Tel-Aviv (Israel-Winner League) playing 8 Euroleague games averaging 12.0ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.5apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 47.6%, 3FGP: 31.6%, FT: 76.0%, then moved to Manisa Basket (Turkey-BSL) averaging 18.7ppg, 3.8rpg, 6.0apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 61.0%, 3PT: 29.5%, FT: 77.3%; and finished with Olympiacos S.F.P. Piraeus (Greece-GBL) averaging 6.0ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 73.3%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 55.0%. He played his first 4 pro seasons in the NBA with Detroit, Philadelphia and Phoenix playing a total of 134 NBA games. He began his basketball career at Corona del Sol high school and then played at Vanderbilt University (NCAA) from 2017-2020 playing a total of 95 NCAA games and as a senior averaged 18.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 32.2%, FT: 75.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Euroleague game against FC Bayern Munich.
Thanks Saben for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your second pro season overseas and second with Olympiacos S.F.P. Piraeus (Greece-GBL). What kind of an experience has it been playing for this historic team?
It has been great being able to play with so many highly talented individuals. You have no choice, but to get better and playing in front of our fans has been awesome.
How big are the expectations for this club? Your defending champions in Greece, won the cup last in 2024 and Euroleague in 2013. Is it a different kind of expectation compared to how NBA teams are run?
The expectations for this club are very high. We always want to win. We want to win at every level with the Greek League and Euroleague. The expectations are a little different than in the NBA. They emphasis more on winning overseas and I think there is more passion playing for the various countries.
In the Euroleague teams are stacked with many nationalities whereas in the NBA it is a lot less. You already played Euroleague last season. How has your game improved in your short time in Europe?
I feel like my game has definitely adjusted to the European tendencies. There is more team basketball here whereas in the NBA more isolation and a lot more shots
How would you classify your role with Olympiacos S.F.P. Piraeus (Greece-GBL)? You don´t have that scoring role that you had in Turkey last season? My role is just to help the team win in any way I can. I don´t have that scoring role like I had in the past, but here is to manage the game and get the ball to where it needs to be. I just do whatever the team needs to me to do so it is successful.
How vital was teammate Tyler Dorsey since you arrived last season? He is a real Euroleague veteran and has seen it all overseas. He is a great player and I feel like he is underrated. He can score the ball in a variety of ways and is a great shooter. He is a Euroleague veteran and I have been able to see the kind of work that he has put in to be successful. He has had many good games.
Last season you split time in Israel, Turkey and came in Feb to Greece and prompt won the league title. How tough was it coming from Turkey playing and scoring so much to having a different role in Greece? It wasn´t too tough changing my role from scoring. Obviously I feel like I can score the ball in a variety of ways and at a big clip, but it is just an adjustment that Olympiacos wants me to take and I´m all for it. Winning for me is more important than scoring.
In warm Israel everything seems top with the food and weather, but still did you have a wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from the States? I actually never went to Israel, because we were staying in Belgrade on account of the war there. My wake up call was the living conditions, because it was very different to the States.
You played your rookie season with the Detroit Pistons (NBA) playing 48 games averaging 5.6ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.6apg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 68.5%. What kind of an experience was it for you? It was a great experience being able to play with some of my friends like Isaiah Stewart and Saddiq Bey and Killian Hayes. We had a good rookie class and I have a lot of good memories. We obviously weren´t winning as much, but we were definitely building something.
How valuable was it having a veteran like Canadian Cory Joseph in Detroit? What could you soak up most from him? He is a good friend of mine and a real mentor that I looked up to and still do. He was a great player. I think his winning qualities and how he carried himself day to day really helped my development in Detroit.
In your third pro season you played a few NBA games with Philadelphia, played for 2 G-League teams and finished the season playing with the Suns. How tough was all the moving around and what did you learn about the NBA? It´s not to tough moving around in the NBA. guys get traded, waived and have to learn new sets. I learned that you have to adapt on the fly and still have to be bale to play at a high level.
In the 2023-2024 season you played your last season in the NBA with the Phoenix Suns (NBA) playing 24 games averaging 3.0ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.3apg. You were teammates with Kevin Durant. What kind of an experience was that? What was your best Durant story? Just working out with him. I would work out with him during every game day in the mornings. The first time that I worked out with him just us 2, the first thing he said was we will make 10 in a row. Doing that catch and shoot is already tough, but then he said we will do 10 in a row with a variety of shots. Just being able to lock in and see the talent that he has and his work ethic showed me where he is.
You played against so many NBA superstars. What was your fondest memory from a game playing against a Lebron, Doncic or Giannis? I don´t really have a fond memory playing against them. My memories are more just being out on the floor with them and just competing. That was enough for me.
Is the NBA still a reality for you or is Europe 100% on your menu now? I don´t know what my future is now, but just worry about where I am now.
You played at Vanderbilt University (NCAA) from 2017-2020. Your game made big strides there. How did your game grow especially in your 2 last seasons? My game really grew from watching the collegiate game and just watching a lot of film. That really helped my game improve.
You always gave Kentucky a good game, but never beat them in the NCAA. What do you remember from that grind out 56-47 loss? Playing against Kentucky was always a lot of fun especially playing in Rupp arena and playing against many high level guys with lottery picks and future NBA players. I was always ready for those games. NBA scouts were always there as well.
How did head coach Bryce Drew and Jerry Stackhouse groom and prepare you best for a professional career?
I was really grateful to have 2 NBA guys as coaches. They were able to tell me their process and gave me their words of wisdom and tell me what it takes to get to the highest level.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Darius Garland?
I never got to play against him as he was hurt. He came in as a highly touted freshman. He is a really good player and I´m happy for where he is now.
Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA? Shai Gillgeous-Alexander
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Isaiah Stewart, Saddiq Bey, Corey Joseph, Josh Okogie, Nassir Little
Who is your GOAT? My dad
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? I did not see the classic Coming To America.
Toru Dean (183-PG, college: Langston) is a 183cm guard from Miami Florida playing his rookie season overseas with the TSV Bargteheide Bees (Germany-Regionalliga). He began his basketball career with South Miami High School and then played 3 seasons at Barry University (NCAA2) averaging 8.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.3apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 41.4%, 3PT: 32.9%, FT: 65.1% and in his second season averaged 12.0ppg, 3.6rpg, 4.0apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 39.2%, 3PT: 34.5%, FT: 46.2%; and in his third season averaged 9.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.1apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 39.9%, 3PT: 31.7%, FT: 62.9%. He then finished at Langston University, OK (NAIA) averaging 10.3ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.5apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 46.5%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 81.0% and 9.4ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.1apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 69.4%. He teams up every week with eurobasket.com to talk basketball.
Congrats on the big 103–80 win against Bergedorf. The winning just continues. Is it difficult not getting into that “this will continue” phase, or is the team 100% focused that every game can be difficult?
I appreciate it. Winning definitely feels good, but we’re trying not to get too comfortable. Every game in this league is couningt now that we added more teams, if you take anyone lightly, you’ll get punished. So we’re just staying locked in, preparing the same way, and making sure we bring the right energy every night.
Bargteheide won by 23 points. Talk about the 40 minutes. Was this a game that you controlled from the start, or did the opponent have some runs? I think we set the tone early and played our style from the start. But Bergedorf’s a good team — they had a few stretches where they made shots and put some pressure on us. We did a good job staying composed, moving the ball, and tightening up on defense when we needed to. Once we picked up the pace again in the third quarter, we were able to create some separation and control it the rest of the way.
Defense continues to be vital for the team’s success, but how key was aggressiveness? The team got to the line 34 times. That was huge for us. When we’re aggressive on both ends attacking the rim, playing physical, and forcing the issue it changes the whole game. Getting to the line like that means we’re putting pressure on their defense and not settling for jumpers. That’s a big part of our identity
What was it like battling veteran point guard Jordan Rose? He filled the stat sheet just like you.
Jordan’s a good player he’s been around for 7 years, he’s crafty, and he knows how to control the tempo. You’ve got to be locked in defensively the whole game because he can hurt you in a lot of ways. I’ve got a lot of respect for him, and I enjoyed the matchup. It definitely brought out my competitive side.
Yngve Jentz had a huge game of 17/6/3/3/1. How valuable was his versatility in the win? Yngve was awesome. He just does so many little things that help us win — defending multiple positions, rebounding, moving the ball, and hitting shots. When he plays with that energy, it lifts the whole team. He was definitely one of the keys for us tonight.
You had a very good game yourself — 18 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, shooting 7-of-12 from the field. How content were you with your game?
I felt good out there. I tried to stay aggressive but also make the right reads. My teammates were finding me in good spots, and I just focused on taking efficient shots and impacting the game in different ways. There’s always room to improve, but overall I’m happy with how I played within our system.
It was the fewest two-point shots you’ve taken and the most threes this season. Were you happy with how you chose your spots?
Yeah, I was. It’s all about reading the defense. They packed the paint a lot, so I just took what they gave me. I felt good from deep, and the spacing was great, so it made sense to let it fly when I was open. As long as the shots are within the flow of the offense, I’m comfortable with that mix.
You next play 4–2 Lichterfelde from Berlin. What will be key to getting the win?
Lichterfelde’s a solid team,they play fast and move the ball around really good. they’re well coached. For us, it’ll come down to defense and focus. We’ve got to control the tempo, limit their transition game, and stay aggressive offensively. If we bring our usual energy and play our style, we’ll put ourselves in a good position to win.
Zane Waterman (203-F-1995, college: Manhattan) is a 30 year old 203cm forward from North Carolina playing his 8th professional season and second with Neptunas Klaipeda (Lithuania-LKL). He began his basketball career at / Fayetteville Academy and then played at Manhattan College (NCAA) from 2014-2018 playing a total of 121 games. He began his professional career in 2018 with Lapuan Korikobrat (Finland-Korisliiga) and since then has balled in countries like Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, New Zealand, Portugal, Canada, Cyprus and Lithuania. He spoke togermanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against the Hamburg Towers.
Thanks Zane for talking to germanhoops.com. You have played the last 4 years year round in Europe and Canada. Is the best description for you basketball workaholic or simply a basketball lover?
I would say a basketball lover. Before I began playing year round, I was always bugging my agent to find me a job. I was playing New York street ball anyway and that was almost a game a day. I was always working out or playing at my college over the summer to stay in shape, so why not play for a team. I can make money playing for a team.
Your playing your second season with Neptunas Klaipeda (Lithuania-LKL). Your playing your second season with Neptunas Klaipeda (Lithuania-LKL) and third straight in Lithuania. Has Lithuania become like a second home to you?
Yes it has. My wife, son and dog are in Lithuania for our third year. My wife got pregnant my first year and son was born just a year ago. It has a special place in our hearts and we really love it here. We love the culture and people and have really gotten a good routine here. Who knows what the future holds. The only complaint are the harsh winters. We live in New York off season so there isn’t too much of a difference with the weather in the winter time.
You always have been a very good 3 point shooter dating back to the NCAA and held that consistency as a pro. Recently you shot an incredible 52% from outside in the CEBL. How big is your confidence going into the Eurocup season and did you do any thing difference with preparation during the CEBL season?
As a basketball player you always have to have big confidence and belief in yourself. Even if you miss a shot, you have to think that the next one will go in. I always try to have a big confidence in my shooting. Sometimes it’s hard when you go through slumps. I have been working out a bit differently and that has been helping me a lot. My change of work ethic has maybe correlated to better shooting.
In your first 2 seasons in Lithuania, your 0-9 against top team Zalgiris. Last season you lost in the playoffs to them. How big is your desire to not only get that first win against them, but also to win the Lithuanian title?
You want to win every game, but the goal is big to beat them. That is the only team that I haven’t beat in Lithuania. I definitely want to beat them this season.
2 seasons ago you played with Kedainiu Nevezis-Optibet (Lithuania-LKL) averaging 16.8ppg, 6.6rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 57.0%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 77.5%. You had an incredible 31 points on 12/14 shooting against Zalgiris. The only thing missing was the win. Despite the loss, is that a game you remember in your career simply because you had a great shooting day? That was a good game for me. Having such a great game against a great team is a big accomplishment. But of course I want that win badly.
You split the 2022-2023 season with the Helsinki Seagulls (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 13.4ppg, 4.4rpg, 2FGP: 70.5%, 3FGP: 40.0%, FT: 72.0%, in Jan.’23 moved to BC Apollon Limassol (Cyprus-OPAP Basket League) averaging 16.1ppg, RPG-5 (9.4), 1.6apg, FGP-3 (67.7%), 3PT: 33.8%, FT: 73.8%. After a short stay in Finland, you finished strong in Cyprus. How do you remember that season going from the cold of Finland to the beautiful warmth of Cyprus? I went to Finland as an injury replacement. I filled in for the injured Rene Rougeau for a few months. It was a big climate change going from the snow to the warm weather. Cyprus felt like a vacation sitting in the sun. You couldn’t do that in Finland.
You played the 2021-2022 season with U.D. Oliveirense (Portugal-Liga Betclic) averaging 13.6ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 78.6%. You won a hard fought playoff series against CAB Madeira and then lost to Benfica. What memories do you have of that season?
Portugal is definitely one of my favorite countries that I have played in. I really enjoyed my time there and met some really good people there and people I still communicate with today. It is an amazing country. Oliveirense was very small, but around Porto. It’s a small country and many don’t see it as a top league, but it is run very well. We had a beautiful apartment. It was a great country.
In the 20-21 season you got further experience in 2 places with BK Nova Hut Ostrava (Czech Republic-NBL) averaging 18.5ppg, 8.7rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 54.2%, 3FGP: 41.6%, FT: 80.0%, in Jan.’21 moved to Enea Astoria Bydgoszcz (Poland-EBL) averaging 7.8ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 63.3%, 3PT: 57.1%, FT: 59.3%. After averaging 30 minutes in Ostrava, your minutes went down to 16 in Poland. What did you learn about this season especially on the business side?
That was an interesting time right after Covid. It was a very different season. We started off with fans in the Czech Republic and then it was changed to no fans. There were breaks during Covid and the league even shut down for a few weeks. But when I moved to Poland. I came with the promise of the coach that I would play 4-5 positions, but I ended up being the back up 5. I played behind polish big man Adrian Bogucki who was really big. He was about 100 kilos. It helped me develop my game better and learn to play the 5 better. I also got stronger. It wasn’t what I expected, but it worked out to be beneficial for me.
You played the 2019-2020 season with Ferrocarril Oeste (Argentina-La Liga): 5 games: 9.0ppg, 4.8rpg, FGP: 57.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 66.7%. You lived in the giant city Buenos Aires. It was only a short time, but you were there in the dog days of summer. What one thing will you always remember from the city? Perhaps the crazy traffic? It seems every driver is on his own there. Lol I didn’t have a great experience in Buenos Aires. I’ll leave at that.
You played your rookie season with Lapuan Korikobrat (Finland-Korisliiga) averaging 14.2ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 51.1%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 83.0%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home?
Lapuan was very small. I think it was the most north town in Finland that had a basketball team. It was some dark times during the winter. I remember we would go into our first practice at 10:00am and it would be dark. You get out of practice and the sun was up. The sun went down again at 2.00 and the next practice was at 6:00 and it was dark again. It was very different. I had never experienced something like that before. Lapuan treated you like family. It was a really great atmosphere. After games you would into a trailer and eat Lasagna. It was a great atmosphere. I really enjoyed it and really learned a lot as a pro there.
You also had a tour of duty in New Zealand with the Franklin Bulls (New Zealand) averaging 21.4ppg, 11.3rpg, 2.7apg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 53.3%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 90.3%. Despite only playing 7 games you reached the 90/50/40 plateau. Was that the most consistent month in your career? I guess it was consistent. I also enjoyed my time there. They were great to me and my wife. It was right after Covid. It was fun there. New Zealand is a lot different from what I had ever experienced before. The nature is amazing there. Unfortunately I broke my wrist and had to get surgery.
You played the last 4 summers in the Canadian CEBL with Hamilton, Brampton and Ottawa. How vital has this experience been for your development? How do you feel are you a different player with this experience? It is a very athletic league in Canada. There is a lot of running up and down the court and very guard dominant. I have to play a different style than in Europe. But I also try to bring in my European style. In Europe the game is slower and more tactical and enjoy it more. I can you both styles that of Europe and USA in both places. I just use the best of both worlds when I’m playing.
You won the CEBL title in 2022 with Hamilton. What was so special about this team with guys like Aaron Best and Christian Vital that came together during the summer to win a chip? That was an amazing team. We had 10 guys that could start any game. Every guy could score 20 points and was a star. Starters on any other team were role players on this team. Coach Ryan Schmidt did a great job having everyone buy in to his system. We were all focused on winning. One night you may score 20 points and the next 2 points. It didn’t matter as long as we won.
You played at Manhatten College from 2014-2018. You reached the Big Dance as a freshman losing to Hampton. What memories do you have of that game?
Growing up as an American you always dream of reaching the Big Dance. That was very special. I wish that we could have had a better game. I really enjoyed my time there.
You had many great games at Manhatten including twice against Marist and also against Monmouth and a double double in a triple OT win over Siena. What was your favorite own game in the NCAA? I would say my 35 point game against Rider. It was over the winter intermission. All the students are on break. The basketball teams stay at school working out and playing games. That was a different time during college. You could really lock in. Your out of school for a month and just practicing and hanging out with your teammates. That is a lot of fun that brings a different comradery to the team. You come closer with your teammates. The gym was empty, but the game was on ESPN. I had a lot of fun.
How did head coach Steve Masiello groom and prepare you best for a professional career?
Coach Masiello groomed me into a man. He is very hard on you, but also very loving. He was like a big brother to me. He put a lot of us through adversary, but helped me out tremendously. He prepared me for playing overseas, because it is a big adjustment.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Pauly Paulicap? We never actually played. He was a 5 and I a 4. We definitely had some battles. He is a great player. He is very energetic and athletic. He fights hard every game. It was fun to have him on your side.
Who is the toughest player that you faced on the court in the NCAA that reached the NBA? There wasn’t one specific player. We played against West Virginia and they were tough. We weren’t ready for their full court pressure. We also played a tough Florida State team that had many future NBA players like Terence Mann. They were really stacked. We gave a good fight and played a good first half, but lost it in the second half.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Tyler Wilson, Emmy Andujar, Nikola Djogo, Keevan Veinot, Pauly Paulicap
Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Dirk Nowitzki, Shaq
Who is your GOAT? Kobe Bryant
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone? I didn’t see it. I liked the first one.
Ayinde Hikim (180-G-2000, college: UMass Lowell) is a 25 year old 180cm guard form Washington DC playing his second professional season and first with Fyllingen BBK (Norway-BLNO). He played his rookie season with Absheron Baku (Azerbaijan-ABL) averaging 12.0ppg, 4.1rpg, APG-4 (7.8), SPG-1 (2.2), FGP: 38.2%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 80.9%. He began his basketball career at Woodrow Wilson high school and then played 2 seasons at La Salle University (NCAA) averaging 6.1ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 42.4%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 63.9% and 4.3ppg, 2.4apg. He then played 3 seasons at the University of Massachusetts – Lowell (NCAA) averaging 11.0ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.7apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 48.9%, 3PT: 26.2%, FT: 76.9%, 10.7ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.7apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 41.1%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 82.7% and 14.4ppg, 4.2rpg, 5.0apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 42.8%, 3PT: 26.4%, FT: 78.0%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a ENBL game against MBC.
Thanks Ayinde for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your second pro season and first with Fyllingen BBK (Norway-BLNO). What kind of an experience has it been playing for this organization? This experience has been a great one, my teammates the coaches the fans have all been nothing but wonderful!
Fyllingen BBK (Norway-BLNO) has won the last 2 league titles. How exciting is it being the point guard for this team? What is special about this seasons team? Very exciting to be the Point Guard for the team knowing that I can help them accomplish their 3rd straight championship. I think this year’s team is special because we’re a new group of players together so it brings a different energy to the league and organization.
Your also playing in your first international competition in the ENBL. You will be playing MBC. They won a international title in 2004. What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball? I know very little about the country of Germany, I do know they are usually one the top places for international basketball so should be fun.
Your ex coach at Lowell Louis Hinnant played at MBC. Did you know that? No I didn’t know that at all I have to go and ask him about that, he’s my guy!
What is it like being teammates with Orji Okoroafor. The guy is 45 years old. How crazy is that? Is he like a mentor for you?
I actually didn’t know that until just now. But everyone has been a mentor for me and helping me transition to this team and just being a pro.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 180cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would bets fit the description? I get a lot of Allen Iverson which is one of my favorite players ever! But personally growing up I tried to model my game after Russel Westbrook and Chris Paul, Russ always played super hard and was very quick and explosive to where Chris Paul was a pure point guard able to get his teammates involved and make them better but still able to put the ball in the basket.
You’re a point guard that fills the stat sheet well. Would you classify yourself as a pass first point guard? I honestly just try to make the right play whether that’s me scoring or passing first.
Your three pointer is still a work in progress. You shot 33% last season as a rookie overseas a big improvement from the last NCAA years. Have you made adjustments to have a more stable shot? Not really shooting for me has always just been a confidence and overthinking thing for me, my mechanics on my shot are good and I shoot it well just got to translate it.
Let´s talk about your defensive game. What kind of a defender are you right now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become? I’m an okay defender at the moment I know at times I get lazy on defense but I know I can be a really great defender because I’ve shown it numerous times but just getting more consistent with it and really leaning into it.
On what areas of your game are you working on most right now so you can continue to improve your game? Just everything, not taking any plays off always have my foot on the gas I would say. Sometimes I’m too nice or passive within my team so just working on always being aggressive especially with my playmaking.
Last season you played your rookie season with Absheron Baku (Azerbaijan-ABL) averaging 12.0ppg, 4.1rpg, APG-4 (7.8), SPG-1 (2.2), FGP: 38.2%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 80.9%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home? The first night when I woke up that next morning and everyone at home was still sleep because of the 6 hour time difference lol.
You had a rough start, but after 4 games found your groove. You were surrounded by many American veterans. Was there a guy that had the biggest impact on you?
I would say my teammate Aubrey, he was a veteran and the leader of the team and he really helped me understand what a Pro is and helped with that transition.
You played 2 seasons at La Salle University (NCAA) averaging 6.1ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.4apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 42.4%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 63.9% and 4.3ppg, 2.4apg. You averaged 21 minutes your first season and only 14 minutes your second season. How did you experience these 2 seasons. What positives could you take from those years? Just how to overcome adversity and how to deal with it in the moment. I went from starting playing 20+ minutes to that almost being cut in half. So I still had to be a great teammate on the bench or in practice no matter what so it just taught me how to deal with adversity.
You had some good games in those 2 years including 15 points in an exciting 78-77 win over St Joseph´s. What was your fondest moment on the court? Man honestly all the practices with my brothers and just getting better. I had an assistant coach named Kyle Griffin and we would workout 1 on 1 all the time so those are some of the best memories I have.
You then played 3 seasons and 91 games for the University of Massachusetts – Lowell (NCAA) Was this the best basketball decision you have made and was this some of the best basketball times in your life?
It was for sure some of the best basketball memories I have. Competing and playing for Coach Duquette was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life. He treated me not just like I was another basketball player but like I was a human being which is rare in college basketball when coaches are fighting for wins and their jobs. I was able to leave a legacy there and put my name in the record books so it was a very special 3 seasons for me and Coach Duq is someone I truly love and admire.
You reached 2 AEC finals, but lost both to Vermont. What memories do you have from those 2 games and what loss was tougher?
I just remember the atmosphere of the gym, it was loud. My parents were in the crowd. It was just a special time even though we lost we were 1 win away from making it to the NCAA tournament which is every kids dream. I would say the one my last year just because there wasn’t another opportunity for me to get there.
You lost a tough game to Arizona State 71-69 and had a 17/8 game and battled Frankie Collins. What memories do you have of that game?
Being able to travel to Arizona and play in a Pac-10 arena and atmosphere. It was a long week going from winning at Georgia tech then 2-3 days later playing across the country at Arizona state. I played pretty good that whole week and I just remember after that loss, I was crying in the locker room and Coach Duq came in and told me he was proud of me and that it was some of the best basketball he seen in a week span, so it was a proud moment even though the outcome wasn’t what we wanted.
How did head coach Pat Duquette groom and prepare you best for a professional career? Truly just how to handle everything and approach everyday. He taught me how to handle life and adversity while being a basketball player.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Yuri Covington? Me of course that’s lil bro.
Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in your life that reached the NBA? Anthony Edward’s my last year of AAU on the UAA circuit. We won of course but he did have 20 something points.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Ricky lindo
Max Brooks
Kiyon Boyd
Sherif Kenny
Greg Hammond
Jhamir Brickus*
What is your personal opinion of the neverending debate of who is the greatest of all-time Jordan or Lebron?
KOBE BRYANT.
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? Yea they should’ve.
Stefan Wess (203-SF-1994) is a 31 year old 203cm forward that retired from the game. He played most of his basketball career with the Uni Basket Munster organization playing a total of 102 Pro A games and 105 pro B games. He also played a season with the Niners Chemnitz and 3 seasons with the Baskets Akad.Weser-Ems/Oldenburger TB (ProB). He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.
You have decided to retire at age 31. The amazing words from Helge Stuckenholtz, Gotz Rhodewald and Meinhard Neuhaus are really incredible. Have you realized in the last decade just how loved you were by the entire organization? The support and love from the fans and the organization were amazing and it meant a lot to me.
Why did you retire? How were you physically? Was the motor still going well or was now the right time to pursue a new chapter in your life with business? My body still feels good and I am happy that I am able to do a lot of sports after my basketball career. I wanted to shift my focus more on business, but also wanted to have more flexibility in my life in terms of travelling, family, friends and hobbies.
You helped Munster go from the Regionalliga to the pro A in 5 seasons. If someone had told you in July of 2017 that the team would be in the Pro A in May 2022 what would you have thought? We reached the Pro B Finals in the season right after we moved up the Pro B. So theoretically we were able to move from Regionalliga to Pro A within 2 Seasons, but were not far enough in terms of external conditions. My initial goal was to move up with Muenster twice. That it actually turned out this way is such a wonderful story. But I am even more surprised by the hype in the city and the support of the fans. We went from 500 spectators per game to sold out games with 3000 people in just one and a half years.
How special was the 2017-2018 Regionalliga team under head coach Philipp Kappenstein and Bryce Leavitt. How vital were these 2 guys for the team reaching the Pro B? Philipp Kappenstein and Bryce Leavitt had a big impact on the success of the team, but we had a lot of key players in this championship team. This season was definitely one of the most fun seasons in my career.
In your second season Munster made the Pro B final, but lost to Leverkusen after a tough 3 game series against Schwenningen. What memories do you have of that season? Almost everybody in the city started talking about basketball and there were fans camping in front of our arena to get the best seats. The playoff games were sold out after 3 minutes. The whole season felt like a movie.
Munster then reached the Pro A in 2022. How vital were Thomas Reuter, Cosmo Gruehn and Jaspar Guenther? I always felt like Munster was an organization that really stressed ultimate team work something not seen as much in the Pro B then with this team?
Our biggest strength was always our team chemistry and our team work. Thomas, Cosmo and Jasper were very important for us, everybody with their own strengths.
Is Kai Hoenig like a brother for you? You were teammates in Oldenburg and then in Munster in the Pro B years. What was his biggest asset that he gave the team? Kai is one of my best friends and like a brother for me. He is a true winner. He won 6 championships in his career. He is one of the strongest and most physical guys that I have ever played with.
The team played Pro A the last 3 seasons and reached the playoffs in 2023-2024. What memories will you have of the Trier playoff series? Do you see Trier as remaining in the BBL in the next years?
Trier had so many great and experienced players with Maik Zirbes, Jordan Barnes, Moritz Krimmer, JJ Mann etc. I think Trier can have a good role in the upcoming BBL season.
How do you see the development of this organization? Where do you see it in 5 years? It is important for the club to have a young generation of good players that are committing to the club for several years. I think Paul Viefhues and Thore Dilschmann have the potential to be those guys.
How vital was Gotz Rhodewald in your career. You had him as a coach early in your career in 2010 and again the last 2 seasons? What did your game gain from his teachings? I am very happy that Götz and Manager Helge Stuckenholz brought me into the team when I was 16 years old and allowed me to play on a professional level. Last season Götz started to play with a lot of split actions. I have never played this in my career before, but it is very difficult to guard.
You began your basketball career in Munster. How do you remember those early years? Did you have a basketball mentor then?
In the youth teams, I played together with my best friends, such as Adam Touray. I was very excited to go to practice every time and play basketball with them. My mom was like a mentor for me. She played basketball in the first league for Osnabrück and had the biggest impact and best advice for me.
You played with the Baskets Akad.Weser-Ems/Oldenburger TB (ProB) from 2013-2016 and had your break out season in the third season allowing you to move to Pro A team Chemnitz. How vital were these 3 years in your basketball development under Mladen Drijencic and Christian Held? Mladen and Christian had a lot of knowledge and I learned a lot from them. We won back to back Pro B championships. This shows how good they were as coaches and how efficient their team basketball style of playing is.
There were some great players with the Baskets Akad.Weser-Ems/Oldenburger TB (ProB) like Kevin Smit, Paul Albrecht, and Jan Niklas Wimberg just to name a few? Was there a Pro B player then that had the biggest impact on you? I really enjoyed playing with Dominic Lockhart. He is a pass first point guard and makes every teammate better.
You watched BBL games and probably practiced with the EWE baskets as well. What is your best Ricky Paulding story? Rickey was very welcoming and he made me feel part of the team from the first moment on.
Who won a 1-1 then you or Jan Niklas Wimberg? I think we had tight games and both were able to win.
You then played a season with BV Chemnitz 99 (ProA) averaging 2.4ppg, 1.2rpg. You only averaged 10 minutes per game. Was this move to early at age 22? I had a very good season in the Pro B before. Therefore, it was the right time to take this step into the Pro A. My first season in Pro A was challenging, but we played very successful as a team and reached the semifinals.
If someone had told you in 2017 that the Niners would win a Fiba Cup title under Rodrigo Pastore and be a playoff team in the BBL 6-7 years later what would you have thought? Was there any sign then what was possible with Rodrigo Pastore?
Rodrigo is an excellent coach and I thought that Chemnitz can make it to the BBL, but winning the Fiba Cup title and becoming a playoff team is a big surprise.
What was your personal best game in your career?
I think my best game, also considering the importance of the game, was the Pro B final against Leverkusen finishing with 22 points and 7 rebounds.
Name your 3 toughest German players as opponents? Paul Zipser, Isaiah Hartenstein and Ferdinand Zylka (scoring 36 points against us)
You shot 40% or better from outside 3 times with Munster in the last 8 seasons. Shooting was your bread and butter, but how would you like fans to truly remember Stefan Wess the player? Most importantly, I want to be remembered as a good person, who always showed values of respect, fair play and loyalty.
What exactly is the next step for you? Do you already have a job lined up?
Yes, I work as a Data Analyst and want to have a good career in business. Besides that, I want to use the flexibility to travel a lot and decide to do things that I really enjoy.
Who is the toughest player that you ever battled that reached the NBA?
I played against Willy Hernangomez in the Albert Schweitzer tournament and the U18 european championship. He was the best player for Spain.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Paul Zipser, Rickey Paulding, Andreas Seiferth, Chris Carter and Malte Ziegenhagen
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmores of 4 best players of all-time? Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki
After the brutal 114-72 loss in Essen, the Dragons Rhondorf were happy to be returning home into their living room where they were still undefeated this season. Essen is a great team and destroyed Rhondorf on the boards and the Dragons were unable to put up decent shooting percentages. Now they were back home again and had an interesting test with the BSW Sixers who began the season 0-2 and now were riding a 2 game winning streak. They are a team with 2 talented Americans with Toby Okwuokei and Robert Holmes and bigs that can rebound the ball well. The Sixers also had improved their defense in the last 2 games allowing 87 points on average in the first 2 games and only 73 points in the last 2 games. The Dragons Rhondorf had to be wide awake to keep their winning streak alive and were as they had to go 45 minutes to win their third game of the season in OT 105-97. It was a game of runs, missed free throws, aggressive defense, acrobatic plays, big shots and a buzzer beater, but in the end, it was the Dragons Rhondorf that had the better nerves in OT especially from the free throw line grinding out the win. “This was a great game. The fans gave us so much energy. It was a long week where we talked a lot about what our identity is. Tonight we showed our identity. We stuck together the whole game. It was a game of runs and 2 big shots at the end of the fourth quarter. But we weathered the storm and pulled out the win”, stressed Dragon Rhondorf guard Juhwan Harris-Dyson (198-SG-1999, college: California). The BSW Sixers had to face so many up hill battles the whole game, but ran out of gas in OT who were carried by their American duo of Toby Okwuokei and RJ Holmes who combined for a massive 61 points, 29 rebounds and 84 minutes. “I´m really proud of the team. We had a slow start, but fought back the whole game. Battling back has been our calling card so far this season. We are a very young team. We have to learn to finish plays”, stressed BSW Sixers guard Toby Okwuokei.
Elia Rosa De Almeida to the rim
The Dragons Rhondorf that had the better first quarter and would power home 25 points. Both teams found their rhythm rapidly as Illinois native rookie Robert Holmes nailed a trey and got a jumper from young German Felix Zacharias while the Dragons Rhondorf got offensive production from the Spanish magician Jorge Mejias and ex Oberaching center Benjamin Sadikovic. However the Dragons Rhondorf then picked up their defensive game getting back to back steals from Swiss army knife Harris-Dyson and Kenan Reinhart that led to easy transition baskets from Harris Dyson and Mejias as Sandersdorf trailed 10-5. 2024 NBBL champion Jarne Jurgens added a thunderous dunk to trail 10-7, but the Dragons had more intensity and were led on a 10-3 run by Harris-Dyson who was a scoring menace scoring 3 times. His third bucket was the prettiest as he was delivered the perfect dime from 16 year old Dusan Ilic for the great alley-op throw down and 20-10 advantage. The Dragons knew that they had to make an impact on the boards and did and just were flying all over on defense. Despite Okwuokei nailing 2 three´s, the Dragons kept the momentum and 25-13 lead after 10 minutes as Reinhart made an acrobatic shot and Sadikovic a lay in. “We knew that we had to have a better start than last week. We put our foot on their throat from the start. We were able to play our game and get out on transition and get easy baskets”, stressed Juhwan Harris-Dyson. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 59% from the field and 0% from outside and had 14 rebounds and 2 turnovers while the BSW Sixers shot 25% from the field and 33% from outside and had 9 rebounds and 2 turnovers.
Juhwan Harris-Dyson at the FT line
In the second quarter the Dragons Rhondorf kept on to the lead, but could never totally shake the BSW Sixers as they led by as much as 14 points, but at the break led only 41-36. Both teams executed well on offense as the Dragons got baskets from Reinhart, and Duje Dujmovic who is still searching for his offense rhythm this season while the guests got a big trey from Okwuokei and coast to coast lay in by Zacharias, but the BSW Sixers couldn´t make any ground as they trailed 32-20. However the BSW Sixers then found some daylight going on a 10-4 run to trail 36-28. In the run, the guests got vital production from their Americans as Okwuokei added 5 points and Holmes nailed his second trey from the corner with the kick out pass from Okwuokei for the second time of the game. The BSW Sixers increased their aggressiveness on defense forcing the Dragons to bad shots and the Sixers took good care of the ball. The game showed again why it is a game of runs as Rhondorf reeled off a rapid 5-0 run to lead 41-28 as Mejias hit a trey and Ilic made a beautiful basket with a spin move, but that didn´t shake the BSW Sixers as they closed out the second quarter with a 8-0 run thanks to 2 technical fouls from the Dragons. In the run, the guests got a lay in by Holmes, free throws by Okwuokei and a lay in by Jurgens. “It was a game of runs and we didn´t shoot the ball well at times. California native Okwuokei was doing a great job getting to the paint. He is a great player. He is really hard to stop. It´s always fun playing against him”, said Juhwan Harris-Dyson. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 43% from the field and 17% from the three point line and had 28 rebounds and 6 turnovers and the BSW Sixers shot 31% from the field and 31% from the three point line and had 23 rebounds and 5 turnovers.
Toby Okwuokei at the FT line
The third quarter was a real battle as the BSW Sixers stole the lead back near the end of the quarter, but a very late run by the Dragons Rhondorf gave them the slim 57-54 advantage after 30 minutes. Kenan Reinhart who has focused on becoming more of a versatile scorer on offense and not just a 3 and D player as he scored on the drive in the first half, but in the first minutes of the third quarter also returned to his bread and butter nailing a trey for the 44-39 lead. However the BSW Sixers continued to fight and execute well on offense getting continued productive help from Okwuokei, but also vital support from role player Zacharias who made a reverse lay up and offensive rebound and put back to tie the game at 48-48. The BSW Sixers seemed to gain some momentum then with 2 big dunks from Holmes and young German Emmanuel Ozike for the 54-51 lead, but the Dragons Rhondorf still had some energy left in the tank and once again made a run of 6-0 to lead 57-54 after 3 quarters. In the run, Rhondorf got free throws from Mejias while Reinhart came up big in the clutch again from downtown while Haris-Dyson made a key offensive rebound and put back. “They put a lot of pressure on us. We missed more shots and missed free throws. We also missed open three´s. Sometimes shots fall and sometimes they don´t. We always focus on our defense first”, stated Juhwon Harris-Dyson. “We pressed very well, went to zone as well. We were more aggressive and were flying around well”, stated Toby Okwuokei. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 40% from the field and 21% from the parking lot and had 37 rebounds and 10 turnovers while the BSW Sixers shot 34% from the field and 29% from the parking lot and had 37 rebounds and 12 turnovers.
Dusan Ilic from outside
The fourth quarter went back and forth with runs, but at the end of 40 minutes, the BSW Sixers had the last laugh forcing overtime. The Dragons Rhondorf began off hot with a 8-2 run to lead 68-59. In the run, Rhondorf got 4 points form Mejias, a trey from Dujmovic and a lay in from Harris-Dyson. Rhondorf was defending aggressively and the BSW Sixers were doing more hero ball than team play. But the BSW Sixers continued to fight and make a 7-1 run led by the tireless Okwuokei who steered home 4 points as his motor was in full throttle. The Dragons Rhondorf held the slim lead, but the BSW Sixers always felt like they could win as they traded 4 lead changes, but at the end of that, the Dragons led 76-75 thanks to a Harris-Dyson lay in. But the BSW Sixers had nerves of steel as RJ Holmes nailed a big trey for the 80-77 lead, but the Dragons would get the lead back at 81-80 with a Mejias bucket and Harris-Dyson free throws. The game seemed decided now after added Reinhart free throws for the 85-81 lead, but Zacharias hit a huge trey from the left corner with 4 seconds to play to trail 85-84. The BSW Sixers then did a great job fouling Ilic right away, but he sunk both free throws for the 87-84 lead. However Okwuokei had one more trick up his sleeve as he hit a trey at the buzzer to dead lock the game at 87-87. “The game was back and forth. We did a good job playing hard and finishing off plays. I was lucky I hit the last shot”, said Toby Okwuokei. “They never gave up. It was a dog fight. They got 2 big shots from Holmes and Okwuokei”, said Juhwan Harris Dyson. The Dragons Rhondorf had the better start in OT and never looked back getting the win. The Dragons Rhondorf started with a lethal 6-0 run to lead 93-87. The BSW Sixers went into OT with the momentum, but the Dragons Rhondorf weren´t timid, but remained aggressive and got 2 back to back and 1 lay in´s by Ilic and Mejias. The Dragons Rhondorf then did a good job managing their lead and just executing consistently when the guests did. The game seemed sealed for the Dragons at the 2,21 minute mark after Mejias hit a pull up jumper for the 97-91 advantage, but the BSW Sixers still had answers as they got 2 stops and trailed only 97-95 at the 1,02 minute mark as Nwokedi made free throws and Okwuokei made a lay in. But the Dragons Rhondorf stayed strong, held their nerves and were a bit fresher having a deeper rotation and closed out the game with a 8-2 run getting to the free throw line and making their shots. Mejias made 4 free throws and Reinhart also made free throws and Harris-Dyson made a tip in to close out the teams third win of the season. “We played fast in OT and exploited their foul trouble. We rotated well on defense and stopped them getting to the paint”, added Juhwan Harris-Dyson. “Their quick start hurt us. We lost a little focus and were unable to stay with them”, added Toby Okwuokei. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Juhwan Harris Dyson with 24 points, 11 rebounds and 5 steals while Kenan Reinhart added 23 points and 10 rebounds while the BSW Sixers were led by Toby Okwuokei with 36 points and 10 rebounds while Robert Holmes had 25 points and 19 boards. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 44% from the field and 22% from outside and had 54 rebounds and 14 turnovers while the BSW Sixers shot 37% from the field and 32% from outside and had 56 rebounds and 17 turnovers.
Toby Okwuokei (185-G-2000, college: SF State) is a 185 cm guard from California playing his second pro season and first with Pro A team BSW Sixers. He played his rookie season with the NEW Elephants Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 23.2ppg, 7.8rpg, 3.4apg, 2.7spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 75.7%. He began his basketball career at / Etiwanda High School and then played 2 years at Citrus College (JUCO) averaging 9.6ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 39.9%, 3PT: 23.9%, FT: 68.7% and 17.6ppg, 4.9rpg, 3.9apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 30.1%, FT: 74.0% He then finished at San Francisco State University (NCAA2) averaging 12.8ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 26.8%, FT: 57.1% and 11.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 23.2%, FT: 61.6%. He spoke to germanhoops about basketball.
Thanks Toby for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with German Pro B team BSW Sixers. Your basketball journey continues. How blessed do you feel living the dream? I´m sure you take nothing for granted. Yes! I’m extremely blessed. I thank God for giving me this opportunity to display my talents and abilities beyond the States. It is something I’ve been working for my entire life and I’m just so grateful to see my hard work being to pay off.
You played JUCO and NCAA 2 and last season in the Regionalliga. How tough has the basketball grind been. What has been your secret to being able to keep the dream alive?
It’s definitely been a battle, a lot of good and a lot of bad. But I’m a guy that’s always been a hard worker since a young age and someone who is willing to put in the work to achieve the things that I want in whatever it is I’m doing.
What were the main reasons for joining the BSW Sixers? What do appreciate most about this organization?
I saw this as a great opportunity to and as the perfect place for me to make the next step in my career. What I appreciate most about BSW is their commitment to winning and their support for the club. I feel these two aspects are key in any organization looking to have a good season.
How did the talks go with head coach Lukas Vargas? What do you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy? My talks with Coach Lukas were great! He really showed how much he felt I could be a big addition to the team. And from our conversations I could see that he and I have similar ideas about the game, but most importantly we both want to see the team be successful this season.
You had a great rookie season with the NEW Elephants Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 23.2ppg, 7.8rpg, 3.4apg, 2.7spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 75.7%. How sure are you that your game will translate to the Pro B? I´m sure you witnessed some Pro B games last season?
Yes I feel that my game will translate well to the Pro B. I know this is a jump and I’ve been doing all I can to make sure my game is up to par for when I arrive. I feel the qualities I bring on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball are some key qualities that can help me stand out in the Pro B.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 185cm point guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit to how you play?
That’s tough haha, I will say I don’t see one exact player, however some guys that I love to watch and see some of their game in my own would be Russell Westbrook, Kyrie Irving, and Jrue Holiday. I think the way I play has a good blend of all three and shows in the way I play.
Coach Vargas said you bring great energy, game feeling and leadership. What about versatility. How vital is it for you to win games filling the stat sheet?
Definitely! I kind of like to see myself as a “Swiss Army Knife” I like to show that I can do multiple things on the court and still be effective in all of them. I think my versatility is one of my best traits because a coach can fit me in so many different roles/positions on the court and I can still make an impact towards winning.
You averaged almost 8 rebounds in the Regionalliga. How do you explain your sudden rise in rebounding in your game?
Rebounding has always been an important aspect of the game to me. With my quickness and athleticism, I feel I cause a lot of problems for the other team. Many players aren’t expecting a guard to go rebound as much as I do. But I’m very big on As they say “Rebounding wins championships” and as I mentioned before I feel that is part of what makes me so versatile.
You never averaged more than 3 assists in the last years. How defined is your playmaking at the moment? What do you still need to do to make the next step?
I think that’s one of my underrated skills that will definitely be more on display this season. Last season on the Elephants I had to take on more of a scoring role. But there were glimpses of my ability to playmake and willingness to create for others that I feel we’ll definitely see more of this season.
In school you never shot more than 30% from outside, but as a rookie 39% What is your goal? Can you reach 40% plus this season? Yeah for sure, at one point last season I was shooting close to 45% from the outside. It’s an area of my game that has made a big improvement and this season I definitely will be looking to maintain that and see it rise high as well.
Talk about your defense. You made strides last season in the Regionalliga as a defender. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become? I feel last season I really showed how effective I can be on the defensive side. Averaging just above 2.5 steals a game last season but I feel it more than that. Being able to make my man uncomfortable, being in the right help side, and even talking to my teammates while on the floor and seeing what the other team is trying to do. I want to be seen as a “nightmare” for opponents when I’m on defense.
On what areas of the game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game? I feel my playmaking ability is definitely one thing I want to show this upcoming season and the strides I’ve made. Also continuing to build off the year I had shooting the ball. This offseason I’ve worked hard on that and I think this season will show that.
Last season you played with the NEW Elephants Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 23.2ppg, 7.8rpg, 3.4apg, 2.7spg, FGP: 50.8%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 75.7%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home? I would say that on any given night you can get beat, so every game you have to leave it all out on the floor. I see it as you’re playing in front of someone for the first time so you have to make that first impression of yourself matter in a good way.
How tough was that playoff series loss to Wulfen? You shot 39% from outside during the season, but only 7/24 in the 3 game series. What did you learn personally from this series? Yeah that series was a tough one, I feel we as a team myself included could’ve done somethings better that could’ve seen us advance especially in that decisive game 3. As for myself I feel there was parts of the series where I was rushing and not playing at my pace. So that definitely was something I went back and watched for when I’m back in those moments I will be better prepared for them.
How vital was Oluwashore Adenekan in your rookie season? Was he like a mentor for you?
Definitely! Shore coming in was huge. His experience and presence was big for us on both ends of the ball. As for me and him, I feel the two of us have a great relationship till this day, with both of us being of Nigerian descent, I think we gravitated to one another as well. I’m definitely grateful that I was able to play along side and learn from him as well.
You played 2 seasons with Citrus College (JUCO) averaging 9.6ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 39.9%, 3PT: 23.9%, FT: 68.7% and 17.6ppg, 4.9rpg, 3.9apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 30.1%, FT: 74.0%. Every guy that I have interviewed that played JUCO have reported that the experience was a grind, but an experience that they wouldn´t have given up for the world. How was it for you?
I completely agree 100% I feel JUCO can get a bad rap, but quite honestly I think a lot more players need and should consider the JUCO route. Yes it will be a grind no doubt about that, but I feel it teaches you and prepares you for a high level of basketball that all players need if they have aspirations in playing basketball for a long time. But outside of basketball the relationships you develop with teammates and coaches are unmatched. I personally feel going JUCO was one of the best decisions I made for my basketball career.
You made a big jump in your second season in JUCO: How important was head coach Brett Lauer in your early basketball development?
Coach Lauer and the staff at Citrus were amazing. Our relationship till this day is still as strong as it was when I played there. But what I’m most grateful for from coach Lauer and staff is that they trusted me, they put their time, energy, and faith into me being the main guy on the team. Letting me play through some mistakes so I could learn and understand the game better.
You then played 2 seasons with San Francisco State University (NCAA2) averaging 12.8ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 41.2%, 3PT: 26.8%, FT: 57.1% and 11.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 44.7%, 3PT: 23.2%, FT: 61.6%. How did your game grow in these 2 years?
My game took a leap as I learned what it takes to win at a higher level. Coming to practice every day focused on improving and finding new ways to impact winning and how I can help improve myself to better the team.
You had many great games in the NCAA 2. What was your fondest moment?
I would say there are two games that come to mind and that is Cal State University Los Angeles (CSULA, NCAA2) on December 10th, 2021. I remember it was the first home game of the conference but what made it most memorable was me hitting a Game winning Three at the buzzer. It’s a moment all players dream of and to have it happen was a special one. The other would be against University of California Santa Barbra (UCSB, NCAA1) that was an exhibition game my second year and I remember I left the game with 20points. That game was always special because it felt to me that I could compete against a Division 1 school with no doubt in my mind. I feel I was the best player on the court that night regardless of team.
How did head coach Vince Inglima groom and prepare you best for a pro career?
Coach Inglima and the entire SFSU staff, especially Assistant Coach Henry Anyiam, were instrumental in helping me break down the game and improve key areas. I’m grateful for all they did during my time at San Francisco State.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jalen Flannagan?
Me and Jalen didn’t play 1-1 too much (I think he was scared haha) but when we did they were always competitive. I feel we definitely got each other better during our time at San Francisco State.
Who was the toughest player that you faced in your career that reached the NBA? I would say it would be Lonzo Ball. I remember I played against him my sophomore year of high school, his senior year. Matching up against him showed me why he was touted as one of the best player sin the country and a future NBA player.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
My five best teams of all time.. Wow! That’s tough haha, I’ve played with many good players and developed a bound with many that I still hold today. But if I could only pick five I would say… – Elijah Harkless, Kessler Edwards, Jalen Flannagan, Viktor Frankl-Maus, and the last spot it’s a tie between Eche Okeke or Jacob Washington.
Please list your NBA Rushmore of past or present heads? My NBA Mount Rushmore, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Who is your GOAT?
Kobe Bryant. I feel his approach to the game along with his Skill Set is unmatched.
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? I actually didn’t see it, but from what I heard it wasn’t too good haha. But I’ve always loved the original one so I’m kind of glad I didn’t see the sequel haha. Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Jalen Flannagan? How did head coach Vince Inglima groom and prepare you best for a pro career?
It was 10 very long years for Trier basketball fans as their beloved basketball team Vet-Concept Gladiators Trier had to endure life in the second division Pro A. That last season in the BBL in 2014-2015 was brutal as they finished in 17th place and had to move down. Moving back to the BBL isn´t self evident as teams Like Bremerhaven are in their seventh consecutive Pro A season while other clubs like Giessen and BG Goettingen have been back, but can´t hold the momentum to stay. It is never easy for clubs to reestablish themselves back in the first division. Because of that it is extra refreshing when a club like Vet-Concept Gladiators Trier return and take the BBL by storm as they have with a 4-0 record. They are actually 5-0 including their cup win. The excitement would probably be bigger if there weren’t teams like Wurzburg and Weissenfels who are also unbeaten. Trier basketball was gone from the BBL for a long time and it is very evident that everyone involved is super grateful to be back.
“Basketball life is going great at the moment for us. We have had 4 big wins and beaten well established teams like Alba Berlin and Rostock. You notice right away here during the day to day on the court and in the office that people have wanted to be back in the BBL for a while. Everyone is super excited. One also sees that with our intro video before games that the organization is centered to be back in the BBL”, stressed Jordan Roland (185-PG-1997, college: Northeastern).
The Vet-Concept Gladiators Trier should of already moved up a season ago, but were rudely bounced out of the playoffs by Frankfurt. But last season they were on a mission and finally made it back to the BBL. The way the club has played now, it seems like they have taken the momentum from last season into this season! They kept many players and only added a few pieces including current team top scorer Eli Brooks as well as ultra veteran and winner Urald King who has won titles in 3 different countries.
“For sure. I think that a big part of this has been being able to keep so many players from last season. It is super tough to be able to keep so many players together, but being able to do that has been so important for our success. Adding UK has been so big. He is versatile and so experience. He has been a huge addition for us”, stated Jordan Roland.
Some clubs think big and sometimes that kind of mentality can come back and bite you in the behind. But the The Vet-Concept Gladiators Trier had the correct mentality right from the get go and didn´t think to big and forget what is realistic. Their goal is to win 12 games in the easyCredit BBL. They are already one third of the way to that goal. But isn´t this team better than just winning 12 games?
“The goal is to win 12 games and we are already on a good path to beat that. Usually the goal of a team that moved up is to stay in the league. But we feel like despite the current success, we can´t set the bar higher. Winning 12 games for us was more a base than a lofty goal”, warned Jordan Roland.
To be successful, so many things have to come into place. One has to have the right players and develop a sound team chemistry. That is something that is already cemented, but there are also so many other factors like having the right coach as well as having certain special aspects that makes coming to work every day so much more enjoyable. With Jacques Schneider who had to pay his dues for many years as an assistant in Leverkusen, everything has fallen into place since becoming head coach in 2024. His coaching methods and treasure chest have motivated his players.
“I love to play for coach. I like that he allows us to play fast and gives everyone freedom. He leads us well and keeps us together. Having good chemistry already now has been big for our success. He has been able to get high quality players all on one page and establish a culture. I´m not sure if the treasure chest has been an extra motivation for us to perform better, but everyone wants to win and having the treasure chest aspect is really cool. Being able to take a goal and visualize it is important. We really look forward to it when we win games”, added Jordan Roland.
Back 10 years ago, teams like Alba Berlin and Bamberg were the crème de la crème in Germany and in the 2014-2015 season, Trier did play Alba Berlin tough once losing in OT 86-83, but the other time stunk out the arena losing 91-54 and against Bamberg were swept badly losing 71-64 and the second time being blown out badly 84-44. Those were the days when being a Trier basketball fan was extremely tough, but in 2025 the season isn´t even a month old and they beat both Alba Berlin and Bamberg. Beating Alba Berlin on the road was like extra icing on the cake.
“To be able to win in the Uber arena was huge. That is like a NBA arena. The Alba Berlin organization carry a lot of weight in Germany. It was cool to get the win for some of the ex Alba players on our roster”, commented Jordan Roland.
Another interesting aspect to the The Vet-Concept Gladiators Trier early success has been their ability to win crunch time games. They didn´t just win 1 or 2, but right away 3 in a row
Being able to win so many close games so early in the season says a lot for our continuity. Having that just makes everything feel more comfortable in a situation like in Berlin. We had control against Bamberg and Braunschweig, then lost it, but came back and won. That says a lot for the character of our team”, warned Jordan Roland.
One of the team´s big strengths is their pace as they have demonstrated that they are one of the most high paced teams in the BBL. That they allow 82 points is only normal when they play so high paced. Working on their defense is a daily thing that the club continues to work on. Every player has a role and every guy is important in their own way. But there couldn´t be 2 more key guys than captain Maik Zirbes who has played in the Euroleague and won 15 titles as well as Behnam Yakhchali who can do it all and just knows how to make the crucial plays.
“With all the experience that Maik has, he commands a certain level of respect. He is a great leader and motivates us all. He plays so hard and shows in practice that nobody can stop him. He is an elite inside presence and keeps everyone together. He is also huge off the court hosting. Behnam brings that clutch factor. I remember last season when he hit 2 big three pointers in Munster. He always plays hard and leaves all on the court. He is unselfish and a team first guy”, warned Jordan Roland.
Jordan Roland and Eli Brooks have been a lethal a 1-2 scoring punch at the guard position. Brooks is averaging 16,5ppg, 3,0rpg and 4,8apg while shooting a potent 47% from the parking lot. While Roland is averaging 15,5pp, 3,0rpg and 2,3apf, but is only shooting 28% from outside. 2 seasons ago in Rostock, he was at 43% and last season 38%. He has that same role from last season which is to score, shoot, defend at a high level and be team first.
Eli is a great player. He is also a team first player and totally unselfish. He is a threat in so many ways. He is a great shooter and can create for himself and others. You can´t take one thing away. He really gives us another dimension. I have been content with my game. The most important thing is that we are winning. Of course I would like to be shooting the ball better. I´m confident my shooting will improve. I have been in the high 30´s and 40% my whole career. It has only been 4 games in. I´m not concerned”, warned Jordan Roland.
A big part of Roland´s game is his leadership. He showed in Rostock and last season that he can help move a team up to the easyCredit BBL. In a way he pulled a Chris Carter last season in Trier. He couldn´t have had a better mentor in Chris Carter that has done the magic 4 times helping Vechta, Chemnitz, Rostock and Jena move up to the BBL.
“Chris was huge for me my first year in Rostock. He was a great leader on and off the court. I remember him helping me feel comfortable off the court. He helped me with groceries and getting adapted to the language barrier. He did many of the little things off the court like hosting”, remembered Jordan Roland who will always take himself in a 1-1 battle in practice against Eli Brooks.
Even if the easyCredit BBL regular season takes a 1 week break, the The Vet-Concept Gladiators Trier are not idle, but have a do or die game against the Telekom Baskets in cup play. Bonn has found their groove slowly having a 2 game winning streak after losing the first 2 games. They aren´t a high scoring team, but have defended well allowing only 73 points on average in the first 4 BBL regular season games. Trier have a 5 game winning streak and want to keep it going.
“Bonn is a good defensive team and we are a good defensive team. We just have to be able to play our game. It will be huge if we can play our style. We have a great home crowd. The energy hasn´t worn off. We have to keep the momentum going”, stressed Jordan Roland.
Urald King (198-F-1990, college: SE Oklahoma) is a 35 year old 198cm forward from West Monroe, Louisiana playing his 10th professional season and first with the VET-CONCEPT Gladiators Trier (Germany-BBL). He has gathered experience in Iceland where he played parts of 4 seasons as well as in countries like Germany, France, Finland, Austria, Denmark and Israel. He began his basketball career at West Monroe high school and then played at Southeastern Oklahoma State University (NCAA) from 2010-2014 and as a senior averaged 16.9ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 58.8%, FT: 67.1%. He spoke to eurobasket before a cup game against the Telekom Baskets Bonn.
Thanks Urald for talking to eurobasket.com. Congrats on the great 4-0 start. How good is basketball life for you at the moment? Basketball life is perfect, when your team is 4-0 what better start can you ask for.
The Romerstrom Gladiators are 4-0 at the moment and the big surprise in the league. Is it fair to say the team has taken the momentum from last season into this season?
Absolutely! Obviously I wasn’t here last season but the message has been clear, the goal was never to be happy just to be in the BBL but to competitive. The board did a great job of keeping the core together and finding complimentary players like myself to add to the roster to keep and build on the momentum.
The Gladiators were 10 years in the second division (Pro A) and now back in the easyCredit BBL. Do you sense that proudness of being back in the first league with the day to day work from everyone in the organization? For sure, from day 1 we were told how important it was to the city and fans to reach the BBL again. With every practice, game, and promotional events for the club you can feel the pride of being back in the BBL.
The team kept many players from last season and only had to integrate a few guys. How easy has the transition been for you coming from the Danish league? It’s been up and down. My role is a bit different from what I had in the Danish league so I had to make those adjustments. But as you mentioned there’s a lot of core pieces back from last season so they’ve done a great job of helping me get up to speed.
The goal is to win 12 games and the team already has 4 wins. You won titles in Iceland, Austria and Denmark and knows how winning teams tick. How special are the Gladiators and aren´t they better than a team that has the goal to win 12 games? It’s still too early to determine how special this team is or will be but I will say we have a group of guys (especially the coaches) who come to work everyday and put their best foot forward. When you’re around a group of men like this the sky’s the limit.
You have played for many coaches in your career. How unique has Jacques Schneider been? He seems to make coming to work fun I have been globetrotter but the great thing I can say about Jacques is he does make it fun and he’s relatable. He does a great job of making you feel comfortable and you’re able to communicate with him on a personal level. And he also does a great job of holding everyone accountable no matter if you’re a 10+ year guy like Me, JJ, or Maik or a rookie.
How unique is the treasure chest? Do you feel like this has given the players an extra motivation to perform well in games?
I think the treasure chest is a creative tool for the team and it helps keep the excitement because you naturally grow curious as to whats inside of it. Also, We understand we’re a newly promoted team to the BBL and most nights we’ll be the underdogs and the opportunity to play on this stage is motivation too.
You beat Alba Berlin and Bamberg back to back. Nobody in Trier would ever have believed that could happen in 2015, but this season it happens. How special was winning in Berlin in that atmosphere? For me personally it was amazing!! I started my career off in Bavaria, in Regionalliga II so getting a chance to play in an arena with 10k+ people there was extraordinary. And from a team standpoint it showed us that we’re capable of being anyone on any given night.
One good sign so far has been that Trier won the last 3 games in crunch time and by slim margins against Berlin, Bamberg and Braunschweig. What does that tell you about a team that can win like that so early in the season? It comes down to our late game execution, we know our roles and we stick to them. Also we understand most games in this league will be close in the end so it’s all about execution and we’ve done a great job of that thus far.
The team can score, rebounds well and have shot the ball solidly from outside. What do you believe is this team´s biggest strength?
I think our biggest strength is we’re an egoless team. We all know our roles and play them but we also understand on any given night it can be your night (to be the leading scorer) so we’re all ready.
The club allows 82 points on average. Is tightening up the defensive end one of the biggest areas to improve? Of course, this league is full of talent and we understand we can’t win every game based off our offensive abilities alone.
How have you experienced team captain Maik Zirbes best this season? The ex Euroleague player can do it all on the court and even run marathons off the court.
Maik is a very experienced player as you said and he does a great job of leading us from a leadership standpoint. Honestly speaking as productive as Maik has been, I think he’s just now starting to hit his stride and the league will see how much more he has to offer.
Behnam Yakhchali is an incredible player that can do it all and knows how to make crucial plays. What have you learned to appreciate the most from him?
Behnam, B as we call him is an extremely poised player you never see him fluster or speed up he plays at his own pace. He’s a very experienced player and has a good feel for the game. He does a great job of putting guys in the right positions to be successful and is a great shooter.
You played with a true leader with Skyler Bowlin in Denmark and now play with Jordan Roland. He led Trier last season to the Pro A title. Could he become a top point guard in the BBL this season? I definitely believe Jordan can be a top point guard in this league. He’s great under pressure and has the ability to make difficult shots.
Your averaging 11/6/1 and shooting 41% from outside. How content have you been with your play? You have adjusted well and proven you can be a impact player in the best league you have played in in your career? I think if anyone has followed me throughout my career they’ll notice I can adjust in any circumstance and this is no different. Yes, this is the highest level I’ve played out but I have a great feel of the game and no matter the level I know how to be productive.
You have shown your whole career that you fill the stat sheet and be an impact player at both ends. What exactly is your role on the team? My role is to be consistent. We had a rid range of scores so my role is to help space the court, rebound at a high level, defend, bring energy to the game, and make shots when they come my way.
Trier wants to keep their winning streak alive with a win in the cup against Bonn on Friday. Bonn is finding their groove after losing their first 2 BBL games and now have a 2 game winning streak. They are a team that average 73 points per game and allow 73 points per game. What will be key to getting the win? The key points to the game is to make them adapt to our playing style. We’re currently undefeated for a reason so we don’t want to change what’s been successful but we also want to focus on being physical and making them uncomfortable.
Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Nolan Adekunle? Nolan is a very good player but I will always bet on myself.
German Hoops 