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One Last Punch In The Fourth Quarter Powers The Dragons Rhondorf To 80-74 Win Over The TSV Neustadt Temps Shooters

The up and down play of the Dragons continues as they simply can´t find more consistency in their game. After an incredible upset win over top team Lok Bernau 2 weeks ago, the club went on the road and prompt lost to Itzehoe. The team continues to struggle defensively. The team wanted to go into the short Xmas break with a win over Neustadt. The Dragons Rhondorf had upset the then top team 5 weeks ago, but since then the club that began the season with a 7 game winning streak have struggled severely with a 6 game losing streak. After being a top defensive team in their winning streak, they have gone a total 180 degree allowing a disastrous 93 points per game in the losing streak. The Dragons Rhondorf had to be fully awake and prepared as losing streaks do come to an end and Neustadt was hungry for revenge in the Dragon Dome. On a mild December evening the Dragons Rhondorf returned home and gave a superb defensive effort and swept the season series against the TSV Neustadt Temps Shooters 80-74. It was a total team effort where the young kids especially stepped up from the bench. “This was one of our best defensive efforts of the season. We played were consistent on defense. A big focus this week was communication and good protection and we showed that the whole game. Our bench was great with Schmid, Scepanovic and Bonning really stepping up. We played well against their zone and had the right qualities to make plays”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf guard Juhwan Harris-Dyson. Neustadt´s losing ways continued as they had lost David Craig and top player Matej Jelovcic was out with injury. “We played a lot of zone which was new to us. Our communication wasn´t good. We had problems with the rebound and weren´t aggressive enough. We didn´t get to the free throw line enough”, stressed TSV Neustadt Temps Shooter Amir Licina.

Elias Marei strong to the hole

The Dragons Rhondorf began red hot taking a rapid 10-2 lead as they were flying around on defense getting 5 stops and a couple of Jorge Mejias steals. The Dragons didn´t allow the penetration and on offense spread the love around getting lay in´s from Duje Dujmovic and Benjamin Sadikovic plus a trey from Mejias and a pretty floater from Harris Dyson. The only Dragon flaw were unneeded turnovers. Sometimes all it takes is the energy of one player and that is what Neustadt got from ex Trier guard Aime Olma who scored 7 unanswered points as his drive was unstoppable and suddenly they trailed only 12-9. Rhondorf did a great job keeping the lead and getting incredible support from the youth as Vuk Scepanovic steered 5 points while Carlo Schmid made a massive block to conserve the 17-11 advantage. Ex Essen guard Samuel Mpacko added a trey, but Mejias remained aggressive adding 2 baskets for the 21-18 Dragons lead after 1 quarter. “We started strong and did a great job following the game plan. We defended aggressively and helped each other and rebounded well. Our bench gave good support and we played fast and always used our best option”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf center Daniel Mayr. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 64% from the field and 50% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 7 turnovers while TSV Neustadt Temps Shooters shot 44% from the field and 50% from outside and had 5 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

Kenan Reinhart from downtown

The Dragons Rhondorf controlled the game well in the second quarter, but let down a bit in the last minutes allowing a Neustadt run which allowed them to trail only 49-43 at the break. 218cm giant Max Brackmann began the second quarter with a lay in, but the Dragons Rhondorf then went on a strong 10-2 run to extend their lead to 31-22. Harris Dyson led the Dragons in the run with 6 points including a massive dunk while ex Neustadt forward Dujimovic added 4 points as he was a beast on the offensive glass. He seemed to be everywhere at both ends. “Duje gave a strong performance. He was super physical, defended well, got rebounds and was just present. He did exactly what I told him to do before the game”, smiled Daniel Mayr. Rhondorf played with a lot of intensity that Neustadt couldn´t match while they rebounded as a team. Neustadt got super support from bench player German Leonard Musahl who played in the second Regioalliga last season in Potsdam added 6 points to trail 33-26. Rhondorf kept the lead continuing to be super aggressive on the glass getting an offensive rebound and put back from Dujmovic, a trey from Scepanovic and lay in from Harris-Dyson as Neustadt trailed 41-30. Scepanovic continued not to hesitate and nailed his second trey of the game as the Dragons led 45-32. “Vuk had a great game. He gave us a great offensive push”, added Daniel Mayr. However the Dragons lost their focus a bit in the last minutes allowing a 11-4 run before half-time. In the run, the guests played good team basketball getting a trey from Olma, a dunk from Brackmann who got the pretty no look pass from Marei, and a lay in by Licina. “We did a great job taking care of the ball and continued to be sharp on defense and played aggressive. We let up a bit at the end, but kept the lead”, added Daniel Mayr. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 63% from the field and 44% from the three point line and had 22 rebounds and 9 turnovers while TSV Neustadt Temps Shooters shot 535 from the field and 43% from the three point line and had 10 rebounds and 7 turnovers.

Sameul Mpacko from the corner

TSV Neustadt Temps Shooters made a big comeback in the third quarter and had their first lead of the game, but couldn´t take it into the fourth quarter as the Dragons Rhondorf led 62-61 after 30 minutes. Olma and Sadikovic traded baskets, but Rhondorf still led 51-45. Then came the massive run of Neustadt as they went on a 14-3 run to take the 59-54 advantage. Instrumental in the run was German Veteran Emil Loch who had played in the Pro A the last 2 seasons with Bochum. He had 0 points up to half-time, but exploded in the run scoring 10 unanswered points with 2 three´s and 2 lay in´s. Neustadt suddenly was able to defend and totally upped their intensity that the Dragons couldn´t match. They only got a trey from Mejias in the run. After the run, Neustadt lost their rhythm a bit while the Dragons continued to have problems with offensive execution. But luckily for the Dragons, their bench continued to step up big time. They closed out the quarter with a 7-2 run as Scepanovic continued to execute nailing a 20 footer while little used Carlo Schmid displayed total clutch with a trey while bench energizer Lagui Diallo also connected on a three pointer for the 1 point advantage after 3 quarters. “It was a battle of runs. It happens in basketball. They beat us on the offensive boards. Brackmann took up a lot of space. It was tough defending him”, stated Juhwan Harris-Dyson. “That was our best quarter of the game. We found our offensive rhythm and all were talking on both ends”, stated Amar Licina.  The Dragons Rhondorf shot 50% from the field and 35% from the parking lot and had 28 rebounds and 12 turnovers while TSV Neustadt Temps Shooters shot 52% from the field and 36% from the parking lot and had 24 rebounds and 13 turnovers.

Juhwan Harris-Dyson from outside

The Dragons Rhondorf did a super job managing the lead in the fourth quarter and despite Neustadt supplying answers, they were able to punch back to hold the lead. In the first few minutes, Neustadt stayed on the Dragons heels getting free throws from Loch and a lay in from ex San Diego Christian(NAIA) forward Robin Kniss to trail 66-65. But then came the last hard punch from the Dragons Rhondorf as they cruised out on a lethal 8-0 run to lead 74-65 something from which the guests had no answer for. Back to back three´s from Reinhart and Harris-Dyson and a lay in by Dujmovic did the trick. That punch was too much for Neustadt. Neustadt did battle getting a lay in from ex Aschersleben forward Christenvie Kwilu and free throws from Elias Marei to trail 74-69 with 2,20 to play. However the Dragons Rhondorf came up big in crunch-time as Mejias was clutch hitting a 20 footer and free throws for the 78-71 lead. Mpacko did add a circus three to trail 78-74, but Reinhart sealed the win with free throws. “We played really well as a team and trusted the system in crunch-time. We also trusted each other. This was a right step going into Xmas break”, stated Juhwan Harris-Dyson. “We didn´t get enough execution or rebounds. We also didn´t have good shot selection. We didn´t penetrate enough”, said Amir Licina. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Jorge Mejias with 18 points. Juhwan Harris Dyson added 14 points and Vuk Scepanovic had 13 points while TSV Neustadt Temps Shooters were led yb Emil Loch with 16 points while Aime Olma had 14 points. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 46% form the field and 30% from outside and had 43 rebounds and 17 turnovers while TSV Neustadt Temps Shooters shot 41% from the field and 27% from outside and had 37 rebounds and 16 turnovers.

Jona Drucke And Alba Berlin Won The 2025 JBBL Title For The Injured Philip Holsken

Jona Drucke (194-F/G-2009) is a 16 year old 195cm point guard that averaged 16/5/5/2 stats during the JBBL (U-16 ) season. He has been a member of the German U-15 and U-16 youth national teams. He spoke to eurobasket after helping Alba Berlin win the 2025 JBBL title.

Jona on the big 86-74 JBBL title win over the Baskets Junior Oldenburg. How do you feel?

The feeling is unbelievable. After losing last season, our goal this season was to come back and win it. We won this for Philipp Holsten who broke his arm in the semi-final

How big was the revenge factor for Alba Berlin?

It was huge. I mean we didn´t think about it each day, but we did have that extra kick wanting to win. We just wanted to play our game and not change something on account of our opponent.

How cool was it having the NBA Wagner brothers cheering on the team in the Alba fan block?

I knew the night before of the semi-final game that they would come and support us. That shows just how great the Alba Berlin organization is. I mean they are millionaires and they aren´t afraid to join our fans and sing Alba songs. It shows that they will always be Alba boys.

The first quarter was tight, but in the second quarter Alba Berlin was able to get way a bit. How vital was the superb play of Luca Kappel?

He is such a big personality for us. He has developed so well for us and mentally is strong and a great defender. When he gets hot, he really helps us. He gave us an added push in that phase.

The Alba Berlin defense did a great job slowing down Djordje Klaric and holding him at 15 points. How tough is it to keep him in check?

We played together in the youth national team and were roommates. He is a great player and plays at his own pace. He is hard to stop. Daniel Gwanihu had that task and did a good job on him.

In the third quarter Alba Berlin got a massive push from big man De Sancho Del Pino Kruse. How vital was hi support to once again to be able to get a way a bit from Oldenburg?

He came from Zehlendorf and fit in right away in the program. He is such a big help at both ends. We are really thankful that we have him.

Oldenburg kept coming back and fighting the whole game. How much respect did Alba Berlin have for that?

We have big respect for them. They already showed last season what they were capable of. I told the team before the game that we can´t underestimate them. We have to control the game for 40 minutes and believe in ourselves.

How key was the thunderous dunk form Jason Heitmann at the end of the third quarter for Alba Berlin moving forward?

Jason is a great athlete and friend. He has unbelievable power and knows how to get a whole arena go crazy. But it isn´t just big dunks, but he can do it all. That dunk gave us a huge push forward.

Ilya Fohl hit big shot after big shot. Is he the Steph Curry of Berlin?

He is also a new player and came from Zehlendorf. He is a great shooter. He hit so many big shots. I´m so proud of him.

Oldenburg kept fighting in the fourth quarter, but Alba Berlin pulled out the win. What was key in crunch-time for getting the win?

I think that our experience was a big factor, but we knew that they would come back and we were ready for them. The fans also helped us a lot.

German basketball legend Dirk Bauermann told me before the end of the game that you would be MVP of the tournament. How cool is getting this award for you?

I have a special relation with Bauermann. I play for him with the U-16 team in Greece. He is a great guy and has helped me so much with basketball. I´m really proud that he said that.

How will you celebrate tonight? I´m sure you have school tomorrow.

I have to go to school tomorrow. We will celebrate as a team now and just enjoy the day.

Thanks Jona for the chat.

Jamie Edoka(Skyliners) Knew 100% That His Corner 3 Was Going In When He Released It For His First BBL Points Against Alba Berlin



Foto: Dmitrij Zibart | ZIBART.DE

Jamie Edoka (195-G-2008) is a 195cm point guard that plays for the easyCredit BBL team Frankfurt Skyliners. He just completed his Pro B season averaging 10,oppg, 3,7repg and 2,6apg as well as leading the NBBL U-19 team into the playoffs. He played his third easyCredit BBL game against Alba Berlin and registered his first BBL points. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the loss to Alba Berlin.

Thanks Jamie for talking to germanhoops.com. Happy Easter. How did you spend easter?

Yesterday I was in Berlin with the team. Today I was home with my family. We all got together and had a nice Easter meal.

You suffered a tough 89-68 loss on the road to Alba Berlin. Did the team still have the Rostock loss on their minds?

I don´t think that the Rostock loss was still in our heads. That was a tough loss to Rostock where we fought very hard and should of won, but we were focused for Alba Berlin and wanted to compete and win.

What was it like entering the Uber arena? Was it as overwhelming as in Munich?

I actually think that Berlin was more overwhelming. My feeling when I entered the area was wow. I have never been in such a big and modern arena like that. It was shocking.

Alba Berlin took a rapid 8-0 lead. Did their aggressiveness going inside overwhelm Frankfurt?

A bit. They were very present from the start. They overran us from the start. They defended very aggressively and forced us to many turnovers.

Malik Parsons kept Frankfurt in the game with his overpowering individual qualities. Where would the team be without him?

That is hard to say. He is an incredible individual 1-1 player. He has helped us a lot this season with his 1-1 qualities. He is a very important building block on the team.

In the second quarter, Alba Berlin remained very aggressive on offense and Frankfurt didn´t execute well on offense. What was giving you as a team the biggest problems executing on the offensive end?

The Alba Berlin guards pressured us very well. We had problems getting into our plays. They denied well and their defensive awareness was excellent.

In the third quarter Alba Berlin continued to be overpowering and led as much as 21 points. How tough is it trying to come back by so much in an atmosphere like Berlin?

It is always a big challenge to play in Berlin. It is one of the toughest places to play in the BBL. The fans are loud and plus they are a Euroleague team that has good quality. Alba Berlin often had the momentum and it is hard to come back against that.

What was on your mind in the fourth quarter? The game was over. Did you think that you would get in?

I had played 3 minutes in the second quarter and had had a good feel of the game. I was supporting the team from the bench and was hoping to get back in. When I did go in again, I was very happy.

What was it like defending a player like Martin Hermannsson? What is most difficult in trying to slow him down?

He is a quick playmaking guard. He is high level that hits tough shots and also few up some alley oops. He can create for himself and others.

You got your first BBL points at the 1,42 minute mark. What did that feel like?

It was a good feeling. When I got the ball in the corner, everything felt good. I didn´t hesitate and shot it right away. At first I didn´t realize that it went in. I realized it when I was running back and saw my teammates clapping and shouting.

Did you know it was going in when you released it?

I knew 100% that it was going in

Do you get the green light to shoot from Klaus Perwas when your open`

I have the green light. He always preaches to not think about it, but make the right decision- I knew right when I got the ball that I would shoot it.

How much hunger do you have now to get the next basket?

I have much hunger. I know that I still have a long way to go to be able to play at a high level. I have been fortunate to play Munich and Berlin in only my third BBL game. I know what I have to do to be able to play at a high level and see how far I am from guys like Theodore or Parsons. With every new practice and game, My fire inside continues to grow.

What did you learn from the bench in the Alba Berlin game? I´m sure you learn something new every game?

I was impressed how Alba played the help defense. They always had an eye open. I watched how well Hermannsson reads the pick and roll and is able to make the right decision. I also try to learn from Theodore and Parsons how they make their hesitations.

Has Jordan Theodore been like a mentor for you? Did he take you under your wing?

I wouldn´t say that he has been a mentor. He is an older teammate that has taken me under his wing in a certain way. We don´t have the typical veteran/rookie relationship. I often ask him for advice and he is always willing to help me.

The team had 22 turnovers. What do you believe did the team learn from the loss?

I think that the Alba game was a good test to see where we stand now at the end of the season. We had a way better second half taking care of the ball.

What was your impression of Alba Berlin? Will they make the playoffs?

I think so. They had a tough start to the season, but have recovered. They belong to the better teams in the last months. They are fine now.

Frankfurt next plays Rasta Vechta who they beat 80-74 on the road. What will be key to getting the win?

Important now is that we can recover from the double week. We will strive for good practices this week so we will be ready for Vechta.

Who will reach the NBA final and who will win it?

I have Oklahoma City vs Boston with the Thunder winning.

Thanks Jamie for the chat.

Luke Moyer Recently Hit For 50 Points In Iceland And Credits High School Coach Dennis Stanton For Instilling His Shooting Foundation

Luke Moyer (185-G-1993, college: John Brown, agency: BIG) is a 31 year old 185cm guard from Souderton, Pennsylvania playing his ninth professional season and first with UMF U.M.F. Skallagrimur Borganes (Iceland-Division I). He has been a real basketball globetrotter having played in countries like Canada, Mexico, Georgia, Portugal and Spain. He began his basketball career with Souderton high school and then played a season at Richmond (NCAA). He then played 2 seasons at Campbell (NCAA) and finished at John Brown University (NAIA) averaging 15.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 83.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about his season in Iceland and his magical 50 point game.

Your playing your first season with U.M.F. SkallagrimurBorganes (Iceland-Division I). It is your second tour of duty in Iceland. What kind of an experience has the basketball in Iceland been and playing for this organization?

I’ve enjoyed my time playing in Borganes. The organization has been great to work with and having good teammates and a great coach always makes the experience that much better. I’ve had a great experience playing here.

What does one do on a typical day in Iceland when your not practicing? The days seem shorter. Have you found a new hobby there? I can imagine one can explore a lot and enjoy the beautiful nature.

Yes it’s absolutely beautiful here in Iceland. I work with the younger players here in the organization as a coach and skill developer. So I coach and run training sessions each day outside of my normal training regiment.

You came in the middle of the season to a losing team. How tough has the season been for you? Does added pressure arise when you’re the import? Do you feel like you have to do more than usual to help the team get wins?

It’s always challenging when a team is going through a stretch of losing. Here, it hasn’t been a lack of talent, but unfortunate injuries, sicknesses and missing players almost every other week.

The club had some close loses, but all in all defense seems to be a major problem. Why hasn´t the defense been able to allow less points?

It’s been tough missing players each week and trying to win when we have been short handed. I believe there hasn’t been two consecutive weeks where we have had a healthy roster. That will always be challenging to do our job when we can’t get a rhythm together.

What kind of an experience has it been playing with Jermaine Hamlin? He is a rookie. Are you like a mentor for him?

Jermaine is a force for us. He’s been an awesome teammate and does a great job for us in so many categories on the court.

You recently got your first win and did it all scoring 50 points. How good did that win feel plus scoring 50 points?

Grateful that our team is starting to click and get our chemistry on track. It was a special game to have the opportunity to go out there and play my game.

Was that the most points that you ever scored in your life?

Probably years ago in a summer league back home I’ve scored 50+ and when I was younger in my middle school era I’ve done 50+.

You had a very good shooting day. How quickly did you know that you would have a good scoring day?

After the first few possessions I knew the other team wasn’t going to be able to guard my aggressiveness.

You also had 9 assists and are averaging only 5,0apg for the second time in your pro career. How has your playmaking grown in the last years?

In the offseasons back home over the years I’ve been putting in work and playing in Spain has also contributed to my growth as a PG.

What does this 50 point scoring game mean to you? Very few pro ballers overseas achieve 50 points or more?

The 50 point game as a pro is a special accomplishment. It brings some fulfillment to see all the decades of grinding pay off. I’ve been incredibly blessed to have awesome basketball minds in my life over the years and specifically my High School coach, Dennis Stanton, has been an inspiration to me. He instilled the foundation of my shooting ability in my game and has motivated me to chase his incredible scoring accomplishments as a pro himself.

Last season you averaged only 9,9ppg in Iceland and now 30,0ppg. How do you explain this rapid explosion in your scoring this season? Last season you did play in the higher league Subway league.

I’ve always been a scorer and on that team I had a lesser role and less touches on the ball.

What was your favorite basket of the game?

The alley-oop lob pass I made to Jermaine in the 1st quarter.

Did you get any special messages from people that you maybe didn´t expect it from?

I got a lot of love from family and friends back home. I appreciate it all!!

Did you have to get donuts for your incredible performance or did your teammates buy dinner for you?

I bought beer for all my teammates

Thanks Luke for the talk.

Jermale Jones Could Never Get Enough Of The Christmas Markets In Germany

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Jermale Jones at Quantez Robertson´s jersey retirement in Frankfurt 2024

One player I really enjoyed covering in Germany over the years was Jermale Jones (185-G-1986, college: Tuskegee). It is hard to believe that in his 14 year professional career, he only played in Germany for 6 seasons. Between 2011-2020, he played 6 seasons in Germany and 2 in Romania and 1 in Luxemburg. Since 2019, he hasn´t played in Germany anymore, but for me personally in a way it felt like he never left. I so him so often in Frankfurt watching his buddy Quantez Robertson play, that it never really felt like he was playing in another country, but he did. Last season he was playing in Switzerland, but somehow found some time in his busy schedule to come to Frankfurt and support Tez during his jersey retirement. He was never a baller who wanted to get to know one country better, but a guy who wanted to explore other cultures. It is no secret that the pay in lower leagues in Germany is not great. So since the 2019 season after paying his dues in Germany, he had had the great experience and balled in countries like Iraq and Thailand and this season is playing in Saudi Arabia for Al Khewaildia (Saudi Arabia-SBL). The pay is definitely better. They don´t celebrate Christmans in Saudi Arabia, but he has celebrated that time of year in other places like Germany, Switzerland, Romania and Luxemburg.

The explosive scorer played 1 season in Bernau and 5 seasons in Lich. One could say that Lich became like a second home for him. Last season he was in Switzerland in Luzern and took in all he could in this so festive time. He like so many other ballers that play overseas has really fallen in love with this time of year. “Christmas times in Germany are so amazing especially all the Christmas markets. It is so amazing for me”, stressed Jermale Jones. The Xmas markets are truly a unique experience in Germany. You have great food that can substitute for a meal as you just can´t stop going back for more. In addition the incredible hand made objects that are made by people can be great Christmas presents. He isn´t a fan of the Xmas markets, but a lover. “When I was in Germany I found myself in the Christmas market every other day. Frankfurt Christmas market was the best of them all to me. I couldn’t get enough of all the people being in the spirit of Christmas and all the food that was there”, remembered Jermale Jones. One can never go wrong visiting a Xmas market in Germany as you will always find something new. The Frankfurt Xmas market belongs to the best in Germany. It is one that has to be on everyone´s bucket list.

As an American, Christmas is a very important time of year for him as well. “It has been very special to me ever since I was a little kid. is very special time of the year because it feels like the spirit comes out of everyone. The giving, the loving and more happy times”, stated Jermale Jones. There is one tradition that he definitely kept overseas. Was it never tempting to undo the tradition and open presents on Christmas Eve the way they do in Germany? “I have never witnessed that”, said Jermale Jones. I can remember 20 years ago that the decorations on houses in Germany was minimal. In 2024, you can see towns in general being a lot brighter than then. But can you outdo the States in the house lights and overall advertisement that is generated each Xmas? “In USA they do it way bigger. People go all out for Christmas in USA. Lights all over there house and yards. I mean the decorations are so amazing and creative”, commented Jermale Jones. Xmas is also a time where the family gets together and share stories of how it was back in the day. He definitely has fond memories of Xmas when he was a kid. “Christmas as a kid was very very special because I knew I had so many gifts coming my way. As a family we got together to open gifts in the morning and then had breakfast and lunch”, added Jermale Jones. He also remembers exactly what his favorite present was as a kid. I´m very sure there weren´t many kids that had the opportunity like he did getting that special kind of toy every year. “My most cherished gift as a kid was every year I got a new bike to ride around the neighborhood”, said Jermale Jones. He definitely had me beat in that category. I definitely had to outgrow my bike and that didn´t happen every year the way I was growing as a kid. Jermale Jones just keeps coming back each year. At the ripe age of 38, he is still playing professionally. I hope he plays many more years. Who knows he might return to ball in Germany as a kind of farewell. If that does happen, he will definitely remember how to get to the Frankfurt Christmas market.

Calvin Wishart Will Be In Athens Greece This Christmas But Will Never Forget The Xmas Eve Dinners And Broom Ball In Minnesota As A Kid

One of the great traditions in Germany are the Christmas markets. As a German/American and having lived in Germany now for 20 plus years, I have seen many incredible Xmas markets and it definitely never gets old. I have seen my share of pretty ones like in Frankfurt and Limburg and even got rid of some money for nice Christmas presents in an old castle named Arenfels. The place was perched high on a hill overlooking the Rhein River. The view was simply breathtaking even under the stars. For American ballers in Germany for the first time, visiting a traditional German Xmas market is something on every guys bucket list. It wasn´t any different for second year pro Calvin Wishart (188-G-1999, college: UCSB) who is playing this season in the Pro B for VR Bank Wuerzburg Baskets Akademie (Germany-ProB). But for him walking around in Wurzburg and taking in the great atmosphere, delicious food and hand made trinkets at a Xmas market wasn´t enough, he just had too experience so much more. “I have been able to visit a few of them yes I have been able to go to some in Munich, Frankfurt, Landshut and Würzburg.”, stated Calvin Wishart. The Christmas time for him like so many other ballers overseas is a very vital time of the year. “Christmas is a really important time to be with family and friends. I think that’s the most important thing. Christmas is a magical time of year full of spirit, gift giving, and love. Through the winter time, it being cold and dreary, it’s something to bring up your spirits and enjoy what winter brings with friends and family”, said Calvin Wishart.

The Minnesota native already witnessed Christmas last season as a rookie in Portugal and this season has a massive luxury. In the Pro B, he has a 2 week break. If he would be playing in the easyCredit BBL or Pro A who play during the holidays, he would have to remain in Germany which would still be nice, but this season, he will experience a new kind of Xmas. “I will be celebrating Christmas in Athens, Greece this year with my best friend Anders Nelson”, commented Calvin Wishart. But he will have some interesting stories to tell in Athens about the German tradition as well. For him the Christmas markets remain one of the nicer things, but he also witnessed other things. “I appreciate how people are still outside. The Christmas markets are a good time for people to congregate and share a warm mug and conversations. We had a Christmas party with the Würzburg organization with all the guys and families of the players”, expressed Calvin Wishart. In Germany one opens up presents on Christmas Eve and in the States on the 25th of December in the morning. Would he ever change the tradition if in Germany? “I’m a firm believer that presents should be opened on Christmas morning after Santa has dropped them off via chimney access”, added Calvin Wishart. He also believes that the marketing of Christmas is just as big in Germany as in USA, but believes that one thing is done better here than at home. “I think it’s more decorated here in Europe. Even in Portugal. The towns here do a good job of dressing the city up in Christmas! obviously I’m away from family here in Europe during the holidays so it’s a bit harder, and I have fonder memories of Christmas in Minnesota”, said Calvin Wishart.

I can imagine the American will tell some childhood stories in Greece when he meets new people. Every American has their special memories of how Xmas was as a kid and it isn´t any different for him. “Christmas as a kid was easily the best time of year. On Christmas Eve, my family would host both sides of the family at our home in Buffalo, MN. Mom and dad would put together a big spread of food and drinks for 20-30 people. My dad started the tradition, “Prime Rib Dinner at Wishart’s Tavern” when I was young and we did that every year. We would go to candle lit church service on the eve around 10 pm, come home and sleep and wake up on the morning to open gifts. Growing up my parents really spoiled us with the best gifts”, remembered Calvin Wishart. He also will never forget his favorite gift as a kid. “When I was in 1st grade Santa brought me a PSP, a PlayStation portable. I have it to this day and it’s my most prized possession”, said Calvin Wishart. But nothing is nicer than having the whole family assembled around the fire place on Christmas eve as the dinner is being prepared. There are so many special traditions in families and it isn´t any different with family Wishart. “The Christmas Eve dinners when the whole family would be at our house. We’d also play “broom ball” on our neighbors ice rink. Which is basically skate less ice hockey. With long paddles and a like a handball”, remembered Calvin Wishart. But he still has one order of business before he flies to Greece and that is playing one last game on December 21st. Wurzburg has had an amazing turnround after losing it´s first 6 games, it now has won 5 in a row thanks to the great leadership of head coach Alex King and the dynamic duo of Hannes Steinbach and Calvin Wishart. “A good road win at Bayern Munich going into the break bringing the streak to 6”, smiled Calvin Wishart who believes teammate Eddy Rantz would moonlight bets on the team as a Santa Claus. Unfortunately their winning streak ended in Munich. Now he and the team have a weeks to get their batteries recharged for the second half of the season.

Quantez Robertson Turns 40 And Is Enjoying Life Watching His Kids Become Great Athletes

Quantez Robertson (188-SG-1984, college: Auburn, agency: Interperformances) is a former professional player that played 14 seasons for only one organization with the Fraport Skyliners. He won the 2016 FIBA Europe Cup and reached the 2010 easyCredit BBL final. His stats for 14 years were 479 games, 4,425 points, 2217 rebounds, 742 steals in 15,034 minutes. He spoke to germanhoops.com on his 40th birthday.

Happy Birthday Tez. How does it feel to be 40 years old?

It really doesn´t feel any different. It is a nice round figure.

Would you feel less old if you were still active as a player?

Yes I think so. I´d be lying if said no.

How are you celebrating the big 40 today?

Right now I´m with my baby girl. We will go to dinner and hang out.

No big 40th birthday?

Not on a Monday.

How cool is it now celebrating in the States as opposed to in Germany? What is different?

It is different because now I´m at home and can celebrate with family in friends. In Germany I celebrated with my team who were my extended family.

Was it a challenge as a kid celebrating it less than a week before Xmas? Did you still get enough presents?

Not really. They had to ration it out. Half now and half on Christmas.

How does a birthday like this feel different than the last big one 10 years ago?

I was still playing ball 10 years ago. Now I´m watching my kids become great athletes.

What are you most thankful about now that you have reached 40?

I´m thankful for good health, having had a great career, my wife who made me a cake every year even if some of them looked funny and my kids.

What were some of the gifts that you got from your kids?

No yet, but they will. Last year my daughter gave me a hat and shirt while my son gave me a wallet with a couple of dollars.

Who were some of the ballers that congratulated you for your birthday?

Some of the guys from the Skyliners. The Skyliners congratulated me on social media and posted some nice highlight clips and pics. Family and friends also congratulated me.

How is retired life treating you? You have a new coaching job right?

I´m coaching in Juco at Tennessee Valley Community Christian

Jordan Theodore is back for a third time. How cool is that?

That is pretty nice to see. He will make things happen again like in the past. He made a post saying he wants to be like me and play many years with the Skyliners

Will Theodore be able to get the Skyliners back on track?

I think he will. He still has some good basketball in him. He has shown that in the last years.

Who wins a 1-1 today you or Jordan Theodore?

It will be close, but I will get him.

Thanks Tez for the chat.

Cameron Henry Puts Team On Back Leading Kirchheim To 87-80 Win Over The EPG Guardians Koblenz

The up and down weeks of 1-2 team EPG Guardians Koblenz continued as after a thrilling come from behind win in their own living room against the Dresden Titans, a week later lost by 18 points against top Pro A contender Trier where they easily understood that there was a class difference between both teams. Koblenz returned home, but didn´t have an easy task as they had to battle the 2-1 team Kirchheim led by head coach Igor Perovic that has demonstrated the last years of forming talented teams that compete for the playoffs. This season, they have another potent offense, but also have willing and talented defenders like Cameron Henry (198-G-1999, college: Indiana St.) and have held teams to an average of 68 points through out the first 3 games. On a cool Saturday night, the pretty CGM arena was packed and ready to observe Guardian basketball and as usual saw it for a half, but not for a second half as the Bozic Estriche Knights Kirchheim won 87-80. It was a hard fought game for 40 minutes, but in the fourth quarter a 5-0 run by the guests helped them get momentum and then manage the lead well until the buzzer sounded. “We did a good job rebounding and took advantage of the mismatches and got to the free throw line well. It helped we could contain Cockfield in key moments and were disciplined down the stretch”, stressed Knights guard Demetrius Ward. The EPG Guardians had their moments in the game, but couldn´t keep the intensity and physicality of the first half and were hurt badly with mismatches created by Kirchheim in the second half. “We fought hard, but not as hard as we could of. We didn´t implement what we wanted to from the week of practice until the second half. Our ball movement was good. We only had 8 turnovers. Our decision making wasn´t good and we didn´t make good reads”, stressed EPG Guardian Ty Cockfield. “We couldn´t match their physicality in the 1-1 and couldn´t control Cameron Henry. They were more consistent and deserved to win”, stated EPG Guardians sport director Thomas Klein.

Ty Cockfield at the FT line

The EPG Guardians were without German big man Moses Poelking who will be out until December, but new big man David Boehm form the Czech Republic made his debut. The first quarter was low scoring as the EPG Guardians Koblenz took the early lead only to see Kirchheim fight back and gain the lead momentarily until Koblenz stole it back and led by 6 points after 10 minutes. Koblenz played Guardians basketball early getting 2 steals that led to transition points from Cockfield and Boehm who balled at Northern Kentucky University (NCAA) made a thunderous dunk. Henry got the Knights their first field goal of the night at the 7,37 minute mark off a turn around shot. Koblenz got the quick 10-4 lead as American Michael Bradley who played at Mercyhurst (NCAA2) sunk a three and ex Assumption University (NCAA2) American Kasey Draper made a lay in. Kirchheim had to combat the physical and aggressive Koblenz defense and drew fouls and tied the game at 10-10 with Miryne Thomas free throws. Kirchheim kept getting to the free throw line and walking bucket James Graham who played with Munster last season made a fade away shot. “He is a very good 1-1 player. The fade away is his bread and butter shot”, stated Thoams Klein. That lead didn´t rattle the Guardians as they closed out the first quarter in style with a 9-2 run and 22-16 advantage after one quarter. In the run, the Guardians got good support from veteran Pro A player Maurice Pluskota and American Alin Blunt made his debut making a three pointer. “He has a quick release and shoots at a high percentage. He is also a physical defender”, added Thomas Klein. Graham also added a lay in as his energy was vital from the bench. “We got into early foul trouble due to our physical defense”, said Thomas Klein. “We couldn´t hits shots. The game was very physical and there were many fouls”, said Demetrius Ward.

Cameron Henry at the FT line

The game remained tight in the second quarter as Kirchheim fought back and regained the lead only to lose it at the end as the EPG Guardians Koblenz led by 3 points at the break. The Knights totally broke away in the first minutes going on a lethal 13-1 run to lead 29-23. In the run the Knights were led by team as every one chipped in. Ex Western Michigan (NCAA) guard Demetrius Ward who is in his 13th pro season struck with a trey, Graham continued his dominating 1-1 play with a left handed lay in, Chilean big man Aitor Picket scored twice while rookie Braden Norris made his first basket of the game and ex Indiana State guard Cameron Henry made a fade away jumper. Koblenz lost concentration and their intensity was down. Kirchheim found their spots better, but also made some tough shots. That basketball is a game of runs is no secret as the EPG Guardians punched back with a 16-5 run to regain the lead. Koblenz buckled down again and found their game again as they were led by Ty Cockfield who just flipped a gear up scoring 7 points. Bohm also hit a massive trey in the charge. Bradley and team identity figure Dominque Johnson iced free throws as Koblenz led 39-36 at half-time. “After that run we found to our game again. We were playing 50% Guardians basketball up to half-time”, stressed Thomas Klein. “We did a good job exploiting the mis matches in our run. Picket showed that he can be a great big man and Thomas gave great energy. We played tough, but then they came back taking the lead”, stated Demetrius Ward.

TY Cockfield to the rim

In the third quarter both teams started to find better offensive grooves. Koblenz got a lead, but couldn´t pull away as Kirchheim continued to execute well and stay with them as the Guardians led only by 1 point after 3 quarters. Both teams traded buckets early as Cameron Henry made a beautiful acrobatic lay in while James Graham proved twice that he is a genuine walking bucket making a turn around shot and 20 footer. “He already showed last year that he is a walking a bucket. 14/9 in 19 minutes says a lot”, added Demetrius Ward. Koblenz began to execute better and better and went on a 9-3 run to lead 51-45. In the run, Cockfield made a lay in as his speed to the basket was unstoppable. Blunt who played at the University of Lowell made a trey and Pluskota hit a wide open trey. But the Guardians couldn´t break away as their defensive intensity and physicality just wasn´t what it was in the first half. Kirchheim continued to execute really well getting a beautiful off balance shot from ex Guardian Lucas Mayer and an offensive rebound and put back by Thomas to dead lock the game at 53-53. Bohm then made a pretty left handed hook shot that brought back memories of a Kevin Mchale for the 55-53 lead. Norris who played at Loyola, Chicago (NCAA) made a clutch three pointer with less than a minute to play, but Kasey Draper made a shot at the buzzer to give the Guardians the 59-58 advantage after 30 minutes. “Our focus was to be the best defensive team in the first 5 minutes. If we can´t do that then it will be a tough game. We tried to swap baskets with them instead of getting good stops”, commented Ty Cockfield. “We did a better job slowing Cockfield down. We wanted other guys to beat us. We played good inside out basketball”, stated Demetrius Ward. “We didn´t have much rhythm. We had less intensity and played too much 1-1. Norris also found his game”, said Thomas Klein.

In the fourth quarter the game remained tight, but a 5-0 Knights run gave them enough room to maintain the lead until the end despite the Guardians never giving up and fighting until the end. Both teams continued to play 1-1 basketball. Kirchheim got key baskets from Thomas and Norris while Koblenz got key buckets from German ex BBL player Leon Friderici and Ty Cockfield to tie the game at 63-63. “Cockfield was keeping us alive”, warned Thomas Klein. Then came the turning point of the game as Kirchheim went on a 5-0 run to lead 68-63 and they wouldn´t look back. In the run, Henry made a fade away jumper and Demetrius Ward sunk a trey after Picket had made a massive block on a Cockfield drive. The Knights with mis match king Henry led the charge and good defense led to easy baskets. Kirchheim now managed their lead well as Norris showed his agility and quickness with a lay in and Henry made a reverse lay up in traffic for the 72-66 lead. You can never shut down a great player for 40 minutes as Braden Norris found his groove in the second half. “He has a great skill set. He didn´t have a great first half, but he never lost his confidence. He made tough shots”, stressed Demetrius Ward. Pluskota was key in crunch time scoring on 3 straight possessions on free throws, but they couldn´t make ground as the Knights punched back with baskets from Ward and Norris to keep the 78-71 lead. Koblenz kept battling down the stretch and cut the lead down to 83-80 with 28 seconds to go with a clutch Cockfield lay in. However Koblenz couldn´t get any closer as Henry and Thomas closed out the game with free throws and the 87-80 win. “We showed that we had experience down the stretch. We shared the ball well and we were lucky in certain possessions. We made key rebounds and got some calls. Credit to Koblenz for fighting back”, stressed Demetrius Ward. “They are a smart team that controlled the pressure. They exploited the mismatches. Henry did that really well and put team on his back”, stressed Ty Cockfield. The Bozic Estriche Knights Kirchhem were led by Miryne Thomas with 21 points while Cameron Henry added 20 points while the EPG Guardians were led by Ty Cockfield with 25 points while Maurice Pluskota added 15 points. Kirchheim shot 49% from the field and 25% from outside and had 35 rebounds and 11 turnovers while the EPG Guardians shot 41% from the field and 24% from outside and had 28 rebounds and 8 turnovers.