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Jordan Notch(BBC Twisters Rendsburg) Is A Positionless Player That Can Do It All On The Court

Jordan Notch (203-F-1997, college: ASU) is a 27 year old 203cm forward from Minnesota playing his second professional season with the BBC Twisters Rendsburg (Germany-Regionalliga). Last season as a rookie he played with Vellaznimi Gjakove (Kosovo-Superliga) and Starlites GIG (Malta-BOV League D1). He began his basketball career at Waconia high school and then played 2 seasons at Southwestern Illinois College (JUCO) averaging 4.1ppg, 2.5rpg and 10.4ppg, 5.1rpg, FGP: 63.5%, 3PT: 64.0%, FT: 76.7%. He then played 2 seasons with Lincoln University (NCAA2) averaging 5.0ppg, 2.1rpg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 52.9% and 3.5ppg, 2.3rpg. He then played at Adams State University (NCAA2) averaging 13.3ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 66.0%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 85.7%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

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

No problem, I appreciate you reaching out. I’m in Rendsburg, Germany where I have made some great relationships, not only with my team, but with many people in the community by being here for 8 months now and the coaching I do with the kids. As far as basketball life, it’s good and I’m grateful where I’m at. It’s a blessing to be back playing the game I love after taking time away from the game for a while. I’m really looking forward to this last game in Berlin and finishing my first full season back on the court, then returning home to attack the offseason to get better and prepare for my next opportunity.

You’re playing your second professional season and first in Germany with BBC Twisters Rendsburg (Germany-Regionalliga). Last season you played in Kosovo and Malta and now in the fourth division in Germany. Why did you go from first division teams to 4th division in Germany?

The drop in level came from injury and taking time off. I had to leave Kosovo Super-league due to injury. Then I had to leave Malta after my in-season transfer to get surgery on my Kosovo injury. It was really hard making that decision as I probably could have played a little over 2 months more there. I was playing really good too while being injured, but I had to make the best call for both my health and basketball career. With this move, I decided to take time off and really get healthy and focus on my life at home too. Taking time off meant I would have to sacrifice level and pay to get back in the market when I was ready. No matter how good you are, it’s tough to get a job in this market after taking time off. As far as coming to 4th division and Germany, I wanted to come here for many reasons. Yes it’s 4th division, I know I can play higher level so it gets frustrating sometimes but it’s part of the comeback process in this market. The most important factor was going somewhere back in a good country with high level basketball close to where I’m playing, and I wanted to return to the European market on a team where I will get on the court a lot to show I’m back. I have had my eye on the top league here in Germany for a while now as I have multiple friends from back home playing in the BBL. I also have a lot of family history in Germany with some family living in Stuttgart currently, so Germany was the most mentioned country in my home growing up. It was a lot of reasons that led to Germany feeling like the perfect fit when I got the call.

How was the off season signing time? Do you represent yourself or did you have assistance from an agent?

The off season signing time was great. I am represented by Vedran Pavlicevic with Starting 5 sports. I have been with him since my first job in Kosovo and he has been great supporting me through my injury and time off. Rendsburg was the first offer to come in shortly after I told Vedran I was ready to go, and I signed shortly after talking to Coach.

Rendsburg haven´t had a great season. The team lost many close games and lack experience. What other factors have led to the losing season so far?

Based on my own expectations and goals, I would agree with you that we haven’t had a great season and could have done much better. As far as the factors that have led to our losses, there is a lot we could get into. But based on the season before me, and all of our local player’s goals they made in pre season, it’s been a good season with a step in the right direction to where this club wants to be, so I’m happy to have played a role in it. We now have 1 game left and sitting 1 win away from doubling the win total from last season while having less games on the schedule. We are currently 7th in the league which is also higher than our team’s goal after the 5-18 record last season. With all this in mind and knowing many of our losses were close games like you said, this club took a couple steps forward this season. You can technically call it a losing season due to our record. But I would not call it a “losing” season for me or our club after both my previous year away from the game, and this teams previous season.

You’re having a great personal season. Has Max Rockman given you the keys to the team?

Thank you but I think personally I could/can do much better. I would not say he has given me the Keys, but I have been given a big role on the team that still has potential to still impact the game each time out so I’m grateful for that.

How have you and Max Rockmann gelled this season? He played 34 NCAA games and has easyCredit BBL experience. One can say he has seen it all.

Yes, his experience is definitely a big part of why I came here. I want to move up to higher levels and there’s no one better to talk to and learn from than someone who played there not long ago to get a feel for what that level will be like. I try to soak in as much as possible from him from things he tells me, someone else, or just studying his reactions to the game so I know how higher level players think the game.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 203cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would say my game has a mix of Kevin Durant, KG, and Kevin Love. I also would say I have picked up small things from other players. Pick and pop from Porzingis, post game / hook shot from Pau Gasol. I would say I get basketball mentality from Kobe / MJ. I learn outlet passing from K Love and Jokic, as well as Jokic ability to run the offense from the top of the key, and see passes others don’t to get his team open shots. I get guys open shots very easily in many different ways. I´m very good at playing 2 man games like Jokic and reading defenses and reacting. I studied footwork in the post and how to seal guys from Al Jefferson and Nikola Pekovic when they played from my Timberwolves. I love studying players that are similar in height and match up nightmares that can do everything as thats what I feel my game is like. They back guys down, face up and attack, or shoot. At the end of the day I pride myself in playing the game the right way and making the right play, and the high percentage play. It’s really hard to say one player, because I learn many things from different types of players. I’m a very well rounded player that can do everything on the court and I can fit into teams in many different ways. This is why I believe my position changes so much depending on what team I am on, and what they need most.

Is it fair to say that you’re a modern day big man. It seems like this season you are showing it to the fullest extent.

The modern day big man label could be used for me this season because I have been playing mostly the 5 position. My role has been to play big and do the dirty work while I mix in things the “modern day” bigs are known for like shooting, passing, mobility, etc. In general, I would not call myself a modern day big though because I don’t see myself as a “big”. I have played with many guys bigger than me where I am the 4 or 3 which I believe is my true position at the highest level. I also have played the 5 position a bit, or big man role through my career due to being one of the tallest on my team, like this season. Even though I am very good at some things at the 5 position, I feel like at times falling into the 5 position can limit me offensively from using many of my offensive strengths, unless the offense is centered around the 5 like Jokic and the Nuggets where I can show my passing ability when I’m not scoring. Being a 5 in a lot of offenses leads to me setting multiple screens before touching the ball, or not touching the ball at all many possessions. Playing with a true big man opens up my game a lot and allows me to ball handle more while also being in more actions where screens are set for me to read and score off instead of always being the one setting them. I am really good at coming off a down screen or cross screen. I’m also great at reading the floor and setting screens whether it’s down screen, flare screen, or others. So it’s best when I can mix them in and do both. At the end of the day, I’m just a 6ft8 (203cm) basketball player. I fell into the “big” position this year due to my height and their need for a physical presence in the post, screens, and rebounding. But I really see myself as a position less player that is very highly skilled offensively, high IQ, and can do anything on the floor, which is why I think my position changes so much through my career based on what a team/coach needs.

You never averaged as many rebounds in a season like this season at 13,2rpg. What is your secret to rebounding?

I’m hungry. I think that’s the number 1 thing that I would give credit to averaging so many rebounds. After sitting out over a year and taking time away from the game for the first time in my life, I really am grateful to be back, and hungry to make a big impact any way I can. I say rebounding is about 80% hunger, effort, and heart because without these, you just won’t average a lot of rebounds. I also take pride in having a high motor, which helps a lot in rebounding. You got to love physicality, especially when you are a lighter weight “big” like me going against heavier bodies and taller bigs. Sometimes footwork won’t get the job done, and you need to know how to stand your ground and know how to use leverage. When that ball goes up you got to think it’s yours when it’s leaving their hand. You need that hunger that has you naturally chasing the ball. Sometimes the player who gets the rebound, only gets it because they worked harder. But also I would say it’s about 20% skill involved. Even though hunger and effort are huge, there is a lot of skill and technique to rebounding. My father was a true big in his time playing, and he taught me the art of boxing out, different footwork and tricks to get in position. There are also important things like having quick reaction timing to the ball off the rim, and studying how to read the ball like how the ball will come off the rim while it’s in the air and from where it’s shot from. You can read if a ball is short or long from reading someone’s jump shot sometimes. Having a good second jump, and learning to tip rebounds to yourself when battling against multiple guys are both valuable to rebounding as well. There is a lot to rebounding. Rebounding is very important, and most don’t realize it until they lose a game because of a missed rebound or 2. Extra possessions on offense and holding people to 1 shot can mean a lot to how a game goes.

Would you classify yourself still as a raw defender? What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

You could say I’m a raw defender, as I’m always trying to learn more. But I would also say I’m a very experienced defender as I have played with and against many great players as well as for some great coaches. Right now I feel like I’m a good defender but there is always so much to get better at. I want to become a player that can guard 1 through 5 at the highest level. I’m always working on getting stronger and more athletic so I can guard bigs, as well as working on my foot speed and side-to-side movement so I can guard quick, skilled point guards. On top of the training, I´ always scouting and studying tricks to make good defensive plays and stop good offensive moves.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to raise your game to the next level?

This is a tough question, because I’m always working on different things or studying the game to make me a better player. I’m my own biggest critic. Like I said before, I have a MJ / Kobe mentality. Some would say I drive myself crazy sometimes thinking about ways to get better or critiquing my game. The things I work on most during this last month or 2 are things I don’t do much on the court this season in the big man role so I’m prepared to be that 1-5, position less player when I move up to a higher level next season. In my individual time I make sure to work on ball handling, dribbling/scoring iso moves from the wing, shooting 3’s, coming off down-screens, fade screens, cross screens, as well as doing defensive slides and other things that will help me guarding high level guards or bigs. I also watch film a lot on both myself and others as it is huge for growth and learning to the game. I’m also very excited to get home for the summer so I can go against the NBA, euroleague, and other high level pros that I know around my area. This is always great for sharpening your game up before the next season.

You played your rookie season with Vellaznimi Gjakove (Kosovo-Superliga) and Starlites GIG (Malta-BOV League D1). What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

Kosovo had a couple wake up calls. I wasn’t aware that you shouldn’t drink the tap water in Kosovo especially when you have never left the U.S., so me and another teammate got very sick from a stomach virus. It was terrible. It was the most sick either of us have ever been. They were wheeling IV’s into our apartment to heal us. Also when so many people were smoking cigarettes inside the gym that it was hard to see during the game and the air tasted like cigarettes during the game. That was definitely a moment where I knew I was far from home. Going to Kosovo for my first stop overseas was quite an experience in many ways. As far as the basketball side of wake up calls, I had 3 vet imports in Kosovo I’m real grateful for, and they really taught me a lot about the pro basketball world. 1 big came from G League and another plays in the G league now. The veteran guard was very experienced as well. They really taught me a lot, and helped me more than they know during my short time in Kosovo.

You won your first pro title as a rookie in Malta. What was so special about that team?

Our team won it that year, but I left about 2 months before playoffs to get surgery on the ankle that I hurt in Kosovo. I probably could have gone home after my release to get it fixed, but I was already in Europe and had been in contact with my Malta coach before accepting Kosovo. He knew about my injury and I felt like I could play on it after taking a few weeks off. I don’t regret going to Malta as it was a great experience. We had a great team, almost undefeated in my time there. It really hurt to leave and I felt terrible about it for a while, but I had to make the best decision for my health and career. I was playing really good for being injured too and we were winning, but I was pushing an ankle that was messed up. After almost 3 months playing there, I knew it was more than just a bad ankle sprain and I’m grateful I made that hard decision to return home to get it fixed. I’m very proud of my team for finishing the job, and happy I left early enough so they were able to sign 2 imports to replace me and still bring home the championship with the great season we were having.

You sat out last season. Were there doubts of continuing your journey overseas or was the job market the obstacle?

I would say I never had any doubts in myself if I could continue. The only doubts I had during that time were in the job market because like you said it is an obstacle, especially when you take over a year off. It can be frustrating at times if you find out a team goes with a different player, or if you can’t get in a level you know you can play at. But you got to remember these GMs and coaches that have you on their recruiting board don’t know you personally, haven’t seen you play in person, know how you think the game, or know how much work you put in. You just got to stay patient and remember if you can really play basketball and you play ball the right way, they will find you and your time will come.

You played 2 seasons at Southwestern Illinois College (JUCO). Every guy that I have interviewed that played JUCO have reported that JUCO was a real grind, but one they wouldn´t have traded the world for. How was it for you?

It was everything I never knew I needed. I played under Jay Harrington, Hall of Famer and one of the most respected JUCO coaches in the country. I could go on forever about stories and my experience that made me the person and player I am today. Each stop I have made, I played different roles and grew differently. But JUCO was a very special time of my career and life.

In Juco you averaged 4.1ppg, 2.5rp and in your second season 10.4ppg, 5.1rpg, FGP: 63.5%, 3PT: 64.0%, FT: 76.7%. How did your game grow under head coach Jay Harrington?

Coach Harrington taught me so much through my years. As well as his assistant Campo. Harrington is an old school style coach and at times I may have wanted to quit, but thank God I didn’t. He is a hall of famer for a reason. I also played under a top big man duo my freshman year, the best returning player in the conference who I learned a lot from, as well as the best player out of Missouri who is now in the G League so I had to wait my turn. While I waited, I went against them everyday in practice and it helped a lot. When my time came the next year, the all American moved on and I played next to the best player in Missouri who ended up finishing top in the country in PPG, while I also made a big jump myself and started applying many things I learned my first year.

You then made the jump to Lincoln University (NCAA2) averaging 5.0ppg, 2.1rpg, FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 52.9% and 3.5ppg, 2.3rpg. What kind of an experience were these 2 years for you? You averaged 13 minutes per game in those 2 seasons. Did you have a special role?

I really loved everything about Lincoln off the court. I had full intention of graduating there. But on the court, my playing time and my role, and some other things just didn’t make sense. Many things happened that were out of my control and would make most people quit, but I stuck with it and kept who I was in mind at all times as well as my pro basketball vision.

You then finished at Adams State University (NCAA2) averaging 13.3ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 66.0%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 85.7%. How refreshing was this season for you being able to play a major role for the team? How did your game grow as a senior?

It was very refreshing. I loved Lincoln University and planned on ending my college career there. But when it came to basketball, it just wasn’t a good fit for me to be seen for the pro level. Leaving Lincoln was tough to do, but it ended up paying off. I honestly don’t think my game really grew at Adams State, but I was just able to play my game that I had been working on for so long while I was playing in limited roles or not playing much at all. But Adams State let me play my game when I was on the court. I felt more comfortable than ever, which led to setting FG% records and ranking high in other efficiency stats in the country. This led to agents contacting me and I finally saw my long journey making sense and my vision coming together.

You had many solid games at Adams State. Was your 20 points in the win over NMHU one of your fondest memories there? You shot 9/11 in the win plus 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks.

It definitely was because my whole family made the trip out to watch that game. It was a special game to play good in with my parents, girlfriend, and best friend all making the flight there to watch and spend time with me for my birthday weekend. She is now my wife, and he was my best man at my wedding, so it was truly a special weekend.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Malik Moore?

Me.

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced on a court that reached the NBA?

I would probably say Michael Porter Jr and his brother Jontay. Or Amir Coffey as I matched up against him in High School. Jay Scrubb was in our conference in JUCO. There are many NBA or overseas players I could list, but when it comes to toughest I faced, I’ll give that to Michael Porter Jr.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Jalen Suggs

Anthony Adger

Javonte Perkins

Will Brown

Damonte Dodd

What is your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Michael Jordan, KD, Anthony Edwards, KG

5th man honorable mention (one of my favorite players and people in the game) : Jamal Crawford

Who is your GOAT?

Michael Jordan

Thanks Jordan for the chat.

Tyrese Williams(Wurzburg) Will Never Be Put In A Box As One Dimensional As He Loves Making The Game Easier For His Teammates

Tyrese Williams (190-G-2000, college: Quinnipiac, agency: One Motive Sports) is a 24 year old 190cm guard from the Bronx, New York that is playing his second professional season and first in Germany with FIT/One Wuerzburg Baskets (Germany-BBL), and VR Bank Wuerzburg Baskets Akademie (Germany-ProB). Last season he split time with BC Komarno (Slovakia-Nike SBL): averaging 5.2ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 41.2%, 3FGP: 6.3%, FT: 75.0%, in Oct.’23 moved to KK Gostivar (North Macedonia-Prva Liga) averaging 20.0ppg), 5.7rpg, 3.4apg, Steals-5 (1.7spg), FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 72.2%. He began his basketball career with Cardinal Hayes High School and then played at Quinnipiac University (NCAA) from 2018-2023 playing a total of 135 games. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Tyrese for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your second pro season and first in Germany with Wurzburg´s Pro B and BBL team and can play BCL. How cool is it having this opportunity?

It´s been amazing, just being able to learn so much so early in my career is a blessing for me and I´m just trying to cherish this opportunity.

How does a day look like for you? I presume you practice each day with the BBL team. Do you just play Pro B games or do you practice with them?

Practice is normally early morning, will have our individual workout, a little film session, weight lifting then practice. Yes I do practice with the BBL team and occasionally with the Pro B team when needed.

What kind of an adjustment has it been playing for the BBL team compared to what you saw last season in Slovakia and North Macedonia?

Pace of the game is a little different, along with the physicality of the game.

The BBL team has some very talented American guards with Jackson, Lewis, and Davis. What has it been like competing with them daily? Are you able to hold your own?

it’s been amazing competing with them. They are like brothers to me now and I’m only in my second season so they help me a lot with just learning the game and making the game easier for me. Yes I am definitely able to hold me own, they’re kind of vets so I go at them because I know it’s going to get me better and they do the same. Iron sharpens Iron.

Talk a little about unique player Zac Selfaas. How special of a player is he and what do you appreciate most about him?

Zac is one of kind, you don’t find to many guys like him, really special in the way he’s able to lead and get everyone on the same page, to do what’s best to win. I definitely appreciate just how welcoming he is to help others figure it out, like making sure everyone knows the assignment, he’s really an extension of coach.

Your also playing with the Pro B team. You scored 79 points in the first 2 games averaging 39,0ppg. That is a crazy stat. Does it feel like you’re a man playing among boys?

I wouldn’t say that but I’m just figuring out how to play at my pace and get to my spot, and playing with the BBL team definitely helps with that so when I do play Pro B that’s still in the back of my mind.

You never averaged in double figures in the NCAA and now suddenly you’re an explosive scorer. Did scoring just come to you or did you always have these scoring traits in you, but couldn´t show them in school because you had other duties?

I’ve always had this ability to score. I’m the type of guy who is going to put the team winning first, so if it’s my night to score then I’ll do that, but if there’s other things needed of me on the floor I’m also willing to take that role and try to excel in it as well.

Has head coach Alex King given you the keys to the team. Does it sometimes feel like your in school again with all the young talent?

No he just asks me to be me when I’m out there and do my best to try and get us some wins, and no I’m young myself, so I’m just trying to give them the knowledge that I have to help get them better and prepared for the next level.

What is it like playing with big German talent Hannes Steinbach? How much potential does he have?

It’s been amazing playing with Hannes, he is super talent and honestly there is no limit on what Hannes can do, he just has to keep working and keep getting better everyday.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 190cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best make the description?

Honestly I wouldn’t compare me to anyone, but if I had to I would say combination of Bradley Beal/ Ray Allen

Talk a little about your game. You were never a big scorer in the NCAA, but showed in North Macedonia and the pro B that you can really score. What are the biggest strengths in your game?

I can really shoot the ball, but I’m really a all around player

You almost had a triple double in North Macedonia. How vital is versatility in your game?

Really big. I never want to be put in a box as a one dimensional type of guy, and I love making the game easier for my teammates.

Talk a little about your three point shot. You improved it in your last years in the NCAA, but still haven´t reached the 40% mark. What is still missing for you to achieve that?

nothing missing just have to keep putting in the work to become the more consistent shooter and just shot with confidence.

Talk a little about your defensive game. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I am a strong defender, I´m not as quick as some of the guards we play but I’m stronger so just using that to my advantage. I want to become the type of defender that you can put on the top scorer from other teams and I make there night hell.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?

everything honestly, I’m never satisfied with myself, and I expect the most out of me, but just ball handling and decision making along with just giving myself the confidence daily just to hoop and play my game.

You played your rookie season with BC Komarno (Slovakia-Nike SBL) averaging 5.2ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 41.2%, 3FGP: 6.3%, FT: 75.0%, in Oct.’23 moved to KK Gostivar (North Macedonia-Prva Liga) averaging 20.0ppg, 5.7rpg, 3.4apg, Steals-5 (1.7spg), FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 72.2%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

The wake up call was me moving teams, and just knowing that it’s a business wherever ever you play, so I had to get back to having fun with the game.

You played at Quinnipiac University (NCAA) from 2018-2023 playing a total of 135 NCAA games. You were very consistent in your 5 years. How did your game grow? What type of player were you in 2018 and what kind in 2023?

I would say my game grew in the aspect of just knowing how to put the work in everyday and let that show for itself. Just being consistent with my daily habits to get better. I was the type of player who kind of just showed up and hooped, but I became the type of playerwho takes pride in his preparation and knowing that if you put the work in it will show.

You had many great games, but was one of your biggest moments on the court scoring your 1000 point against Penn State?

Nah I wouldn’t say that cause we didn’t get the win in that game, and i didn’t even know i scored a 1000 points, until after the fact i didn’t really pay attention to it.

How did head coach Baker Dunleavy groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Just giving the knowledge of how to put the work in and let the results but the results, how to show up everyday and work your tail off.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Savion Lewis?

Me for sure but that’s my brother so we definitely probably played more than one game lol.

Who is the best player that you ever battled on the court that reached the NBA?

Either Cam Young or Quenton Grimes

Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron, MJ, Steph, AI

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron

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

No I actually didn’t, I hate when the my mess up classics, I just sick to watching the original.

Thanks Tyrese for the chat

Alex Barcello( Monbus Obradoiro ) Will Never Forget Beating Gonzaga And Seeing The Fans Storm The court

Alex Barcello (188-G-1998, college: BYU) is a 26 year old 188cm guard from Arizona playing his third professional season and first with o Monbus Obradoiro CAB Santiago de Compostela (Spain-Primera FEB). He began the season with easyCredit BBL club MLP Academics Heidelberg averaging 11,2ppg, 3,3rpg and 3,1apg. Last season he played Acunsa Gipuzkoa BC San Sebastian (Spain-LEB Gold) averaging19.6ppg) 4.1rpg, 3.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT: 90.0%. He played his rookie season with Kolossos H Hotels Rodou (Greece-GBL) averaging 4.0ppg, 1.8rpg, in Nov.’22 moved to Filou Oostende (Belgium-Pro Basketball League) averaging 7.3ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 47.3%, FT-1 (94.7%). He began his basketball career at Corona del Sol high school and then played 2 years at the University of Arizona and then finished at Brigham Young University (NCAA) averaging 16.1ppg, 4.7rpg, 4.3apg, FGP: 55.2%, 3PT: 47.7%, FT: 85.6%, 16.8ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.3apg, FGP: 47.9%, 3PT: 42.1%, FT: 86.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball during his time in Germany.

Your playing your third pro season and first with German team MLP Academics Heidelberg. You saw 3 nice countries with Greece, Belgium and Spain, but how does Heidelberg and it´s castle compare?

Heidelberg is a great spot, but every place I have been in has been great. We visit the castle a lot to have a snack. It is a extremely nice city. The people are nice and we are really enjoying it here

What kind of an experience has it been playing with the MLP Academics Heidelberg? What have you appreciated most about the experience?

I think what I have appreciated the most is how genuine the people are. The people are humble, but at the same time want to grow as a club. I like how the club interacts with all. It is all very well organized here and super professional. There is good energy and that makes it a lot more fun when your around good people.

How does the BBL compare to the other leagues that you have played in so far? Is the BBL the strongest league that you have played in? Especially how does the LEB Gold compare to it?

I think that the BBL is comparable to the physicality in Greece. Belgium was a good league and Spain was super tactical. I really have liked every style I have seen. In the BBL, every game matters. You have to battle and compete every night. It doesn´t matter if a team is 4th or 15th, they can beat you on any given night. It is really fun as a competitor to play in the BBL.

You led the Leb Gold in scoring. Do you feel pressure to have to make the next step in the BBL?

I don´t feel pressure. I put a lot of trust in the work I put in and with the coaching staff I have to help me grow. I think that when you have a lot of trust, that helps take away the pressure. Growing is a process that I need to enjoy.

What is your focus and goal this season with your game? What steps do you want to make?

I want to show that I´m a competitor and that I can do what the teams needs me to do. I have proved in my career that sometimes my team needed me to create well, while other times I needed to score. I want to be able to read the game at a high level. I believe in playing the game the right way and want to continue to get to a high level step by step.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 188cm guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would fit the description the best?

I think one could compare my game to a Payton Pritchard. The mid range is a big part of my game.

You are an incredible shooter. What other strengths does your game have? Versatility seems to be a big part of your game as well?

Yes it is. I can create for my teammates, but that is still an area that I´m trying to progress in. I want to be able to get guys in spots where they can be most successful. For example being able to help a Weathers speed up the game or help Mikesell with his pick and pop game. I want to become more of a floor general. My rebounding is underrated. I believe I´m able to sneak in more rebounds.

You continue to shoot over 40% in your career? Where do you see the development of your three pointer? How far away are you from being an elite shooter?

In my mind, I think I´m there. But I feel like I can still expand my game off the dribble and increase my range by dragging out the defense. I have always believed in my shooting.

What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of defender do you still want to become?

I think that I´m a solid defender. I think that I can handle 1-1 defense. I´m stronger than what people may think. I want to increase my pressure so I can guard 30-40 minutes full on pressure. I want to have guys have to play on their heels.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?

I´m working on finishing better around the basket as well as being able to pass the ball better with the opponent throwing different defenses at me.

You played last season for Acunsa Gipuzkoa BC San Sebastian (Spain-LEB Gold) averaging 19.6ppg), 4.1rpg, 3.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 43.3%, FT: 90.0%. How important was this season for your progression as a player? You had massive scoring games of 39 and 36 points. How did your game grow?

My game grew just from the tactics. I got a better understanding of the European game. It helped my game that I was the lead guy on the team. I saw that I was the main focus and was efficient.

You played an exciting 5 games series against Burgos, What will you always remember from that series and what did you learn from it?

I remember we were blown out in the first game, but then came back and gave them a really hard fought series. We just couldn´t pull it out. I learned just how intense the playoffs can be and that the team needs to come together and learn to push through it

You split your rookie season with Kolossos H Hotels Rodou (Greece-GBL) averaging 4.0ppg, 1.8rpg, in Nov.’22 moved to Filou Oostende (Belgium-Pro Basketball League) averaging 7.3ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 52.5%, 3PT: 47.3%, FT-1 (94.7%). How tough was this season and what did you learn about yourself?

It was difficult to learn different styles and having a small role. I just tried to keep fighting through it and figure out a way to find ways to make it. I understood that it was a work in progress. I was happy how I came out of it and knew that I had to keep working.

You played against Panathinaikos losing but scoring 5 points. What was it like competing against long time NBA guys like Derrick Williams and Nate Wolters?

It was nice competing against high level players. I had to match up against Paris Lee who played in the BBL with Bamberg. I didn´t play much, but scored a few points. I saw close up how high the tempo and skill level was. I would like to be at a level like that. I know I have to take it step by step.

In Belgium you were teammates with legend Dusan Djordjevic. How vital was he for you in your time there? Was he like a mentor for you?

He won so many titles with them. He was a great mentor. Once a week, we would go out and watch Euroleague games and talk about the game.

In the summer of 2022 you played NBA summer league with the Toronto Raptors. What kind of an experience was that for you? Do you feel like you were able to hold your own in the minutes you got?

I think I did. In one game I played 20 minutes. I tried to get the most out of it. I believe that I belonged out there. I always believe that I belong out on the court with whoever is there. I go out and compete and put in the work. The difference is always how much more you want it than your opponent. It was a great experience. The Raptors are a great organization that also loves defense.

You played at the University of Arizona from 2017-2019 never averaging more than 9 minutes or 3,0ppg. Was this a tough learning process for you? What positives could you take from it?

It was a great experience. I played together with really talented guys like Deandre Ayton, Rawle Alkins, Alonzo Trier and Parker Jackson-Cartwright. It was a tough transition coming from high school to playing against men. I knew that I had a lot of work ahead of me. It was hard not playing much. I didn´t like that.

You were teammates with Parker Jackson Cartwright there who had his break out season in Germany with Bonn some years ago. What memories do you have of him? Did he have the heart of a lion?

Yes I would say so. He was even smaller than me. He made the game look so easy. He always competed and was so quick and knew how to get into the paint. He really inspired me what he did with Bonn. I was really thankful having a senior like that coming in.

You then played at Brigham Young from 2019-2022 and really broke out as a scorer in your last 2 seasons. How did your game grow there?

I was a role guy my first season. A sort of glue guy as well. I was a shooter that guarded the other teams best offensive player. Then many main guys left and I got trust from coaching staff and got the next role. The coaching staff saw the work I put in and I took the opportunity and all went well.

You reached the NIT Elite 8 in your senior year and had many great games. What was your fondest moment on the court? You had big games against Pepperdine and San Francsico.

My fondest moment was when I was the role guy and we beat #2 at the time Gonzaga. We beat them on our home floor and the fans stormed the court. That was a great feeling. I went like 7/7 against San Francisco and 9/10 against Pepperdine.

How did head coach Mark Pope groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He just told me to go out and take it. He tole me that there are so many guys competing for limited roles that you have instincts that will help you beat them out.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Te´Jon Lucas?

I don´t think that we ever played. H e was a great talent, but I would beat him.

Who was the toughest player that you ever played against on a court in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

Carson Edwards. I was a freshman and we played against Purdue. Nothing crazy happened. They won. I came in and hadn´t lifted weights before and I could see the difference. He was super strong and super athletic.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Zac Seljaas, Aleksandar Marcius, Dusan Ristic, Yoeli Childs, Dalton Nickson

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads?

Jordan, Kobe, Lebron, Shaq

Who is your GOAT?

Michael Jordan

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

I never saw it. Maybe they should of. I need to put it on my watch list.

Thanks Alex for the chat

Jaylen Alston(Team Ehingen) Explodes Twice Continuing To Dominate The Pro B Scoring 92 points In 2 Games

Jaylen Alston (193-G, college: WSSU) is a 193cm guard from North Carolina playing his rookie season overseas in Germany with Pro B team Team Ehingen. He began his basketball career at Eastern Guilford high school. He then played a season at Gardner-Webb University (NCAA) and then played at Winston Salem State University and in his last 2 seasons averaged 11.6ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 74.5% and 18.1ppg, 8.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 61.5%, 3PT: 26.1%, FT: 74.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the tough 97-81 loss to the Dragons Rhondorf.

Thanks Jaylen for talking to germanhoops.com. How did you spend the Fiba break?

I spent most of my Fiba break and just recovering watching some film and getting better. I was a little bit under the weather so I didn’t do much.

Ehingen suffered a tough 97-81 loss on the road to the Dragons Rhondorf. With what kind of a game plan did you go into that game?

We went into the game plan with the same energy from last game just try to scout and know the players we were going to be guarding and then also figured out a way to just give us a edge like we did the last time we played, but we just did not come out with the same results.

Rhondorf had the 24-20 advantage after 10 minutes. You scored your teams first 10 points. Is that the most points you have ever scored to start a game?

No, that’s not the most that I ever scored in the first quarter or beginning of a game.

In the second quarter the Dragons Rhondorf stepped it up on the offensive end scoring 36 points, but were still shaky on defense allowing 26 points. What was giving Ehingen the most problems on the defensive end?

I would say that our problem was understanding where we needed to help on the pick roll and just being on the close out too shooters because that surely gave them the edge when they were consistently making three-pointers

In the third quarter the Dragons Rhondorf only allowed 15 points and overall allowed only 35 points in the second quarter. What adjustments did the Dragons make?

I think they made the adjustment of trying to close off some of our plays that we run and just understanding our strengths of getting to the basket.

The Dragons Rhondorf finished the game strong. Was this one of those game where their experience really hurt Ehingen as a team?

I would not say that experience hurt us in this game. I would say honestly turnovers and rebounding was the reason behind us losing in my opinion.

The Dragons Rhondorf had an overall very strong game. It led the rebound battle and had 17 offensive rebounds, had 21 assists and only 10 turnovers. Are they a playoff team when they are playing that well?

I feel like any team is a playoff team when you’re playing with those kind of numbers so whether we do it or our opponent, does it that pretty much sums up who will win the game

Could Team Ehingen take anything positive from the loss? It did stick well with the Dragons under the boards losing only 39-37 and had 10 offensive rebounds?

We can definitely take a positive aspect from that loss and just knowing that we have to be better in certain areas. The rebound battle definitely was something out of our nature that we’ve been pretty good about the last couple games so I feel like we need to get back into knowing what works for us and getting rebounds. The second chance points is something that we need to take advantage of.

Team Ehingen only played 8 guys. How tough is it competing in general with so little experience? Does that give you added pressure to perform?

We actually ended up playing with nine guys, but it is tough to compete sometimes with guys who haven’t been in certain situations but that’s what it’s about getting them experience and learning from it so I don’t feel like there is any pressure it’s just guys that are older like me should be able to help them in the moment that way when we succeed, they can understand how to help themselves when I might not be around.

The team next plays Oberaching a tough and feisty team. Ehingen lost in November to them. What will be key to getting the win this time?

I think the key to winning this game will be getting back to what we do best and that is getting inside the lane, getting easy layups also rebounding the ball and limiting our turnovers to under 12 and if we do all of that, I feel like nobody can beat us

You scored 92 points back to back against the RheinStars and Dragons. How crazy, but amazing does that feel?

it doesn’t really feel too crazy just because I’ve been in situations where I have scored a large number of points in a long stretch, but I take it as something amazing because I know players don’t get to do this too often, but I also want to just move on to the next game because if we don’t win then none of my points matter.

Did you have a special feeling going into the game or did it just feel like another game?

Honestly, it just felt like another game. I really didn’t treat their team too much differently than anybody else. I simply try to just kill whoever is in my way.

Do you feel like that dunk to start the game gave you extra motivation?

I feel like the dunk set the tone to let them know that we were coming to play and that this was not going to be a game where they felt like they could push us over.

After you scored the team´s first 10 points, did that 50 point mark ever come into your mind?

I really did not know that I scored the first 10 points and 50 points never crossed my mind. I was just trying to make sure that we have more points than they have points, but the outcome did not turn out the way I wanted.

How much more self-confidence does this game give you? Does a back to back performance like this drive you forward to explode again in the next game?

This game doesn’t necessarily give me any more confidence. I already had high confidence in myself, I just play my role, no matter what it is or any given night so know what I’m capable of every time I step on the court but a performance like this especially in back-to-back games certainly gets the attention of others and they try harder to stop me and when they do it simply makes me want to just show who I really am and where I’m from because then they may understand that they ain’t just a regular game to me.

You shot better than in the game against the RheinStars. The only difference was that you didn´t get to the free throw line this time. Are you aware that 50 points could have been in your cards again?

Yes, I’m aware that I was close to 50 points, but I’m not too strung out on trying to accomplish individual goals. I’m more focused on team goals.

What was your favorite own basket of the game?

My favorite basket was the dunk I had in the first quarter just because like you said, it set the tone for the game

After scoring big points again, what does the situation look like with treating your teammates for something or will they treat you to something?

The situation just stays the same. My teammates always treat me well and are happy for me anytime I’m doing good and I always treat them the same and I’m happy for them anytime they’re doing good so nothing has changed. They just tried to encourage me to keep going and pushing further if it means getting the win

Where do you rate the 2025 NBA slam dunk contest dunk by Mac McClung?

I rate the dunk contest an eight out of 10 I just feel like Zach Levine and Aaron Gordon set the bar so high that it’s going be pretty hard to top either one of their performances.

Thanks Jaylen for the chat

Working At Greensboro Airport In Between School Years Changed Jaylen Alston´s(Team Ehingen) Life And Made Him The Person He Is Today

Jaylen Alston (193-G, college: WSSU) is a 193cm guard form North Carolina playing his rookie season overseas in Germany with Pro B team Team Ehingen. He began his basketball career at Eastern Guilford high school. He then played a season at Gardner-Webb University (NCAA) and then played at Winston Salem State University and in his last 2 seasons averaged 11.6ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 74.5% and 18.1ppg, 8.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 61.5%, 3PT: 26.1%, FT: 74.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Jaylen for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your rookie season overseas in Germany with Team Ehingen. How blessed do you feel to be able to play the game you love for a living?

I feel really blessed because this opportunity is something that I got very late and I feel like it was an opportunity that God saved for me so I could be able to be somewhere where I could experience a great environment on the court as well as a great environment off the court so I truly feel blessed every time and practice or just in the games

What do you know in general about the country and it´s basketball? Have you had any friends play here in the past?

I really don’t know much in general, but I have been seeing how much they love the sport. I did know that Dirk Nowitzki was from Germany, but I do have two friends that have played here.

You came late into the 24-25 season. Was the job market tough coming from division 2?

The job market was definitely tough coming from division two and not only to mention coming from a historical black at college university. They don’t give many kids like us a chance so I just like to take my opportunity and be able to show everyone that if we were able to have more chances then we would definitely be in more of a market for basketball around the world.

What have you enjoyed most about the overseas experience? How big is that day to day feeling of being able to learn and get better?

What I have enjoyed the most is being inside of a new culture and seeing how they live every day, because it’s so different from America. The daily feeling of getting better and learning is what I think about when I wake up every day just because I know that this is my job and I have to be getting better and taking my job seriously so that way I can take this further than just this year.

Your only a rookie but one of the older guys. How enriching is it for you personally to be able to have young teammates? Does it sometimes feel like your in school again?

Honestly, I enjoy having young teammates just because I feel like I can teach them some things and show them new ways they can make themselves better and they’re all about learning so I enjoy the part of having those young guys, but it does have a feeling of being back in school.

Team Ehingen is fighting to stay in the Pro B. What is crucial now in being able to produce more wins? I´m sure the win over the RheinStars gave the team a lot of extra self confidence?

The most crucial thing now is for us to play with energy and have fight because that carries a lot farther than any of the statistics stuff. I definitely feel like it gives confidence to the entire team and the coaching staff because now we know if we can play against the number one seed, then we can play against everybody.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 193cm swing man. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?

The player that I will compare my game to is honestly Kawhi Leonard when he is healthy

Would it be a correct assessment that versatility is your biggest strength? You fill the stat sheet like no other.

Yes, I would definitely say versatility is my biggest strength and that’s something I Pride myself on being able to help the team in different areas any given night.

Last season at Winston Salem you averaged 8 rebounds and as a rookie in Germany almost 10 rebounds. Do you simply know where the ball will go on every shot? What is your secret?

I have a little trick on how I know where the ball might be in, but it’s something that I can just see for myself and I’ve been doing it since a kid so I honestly have a niche for it but it’s no big secret.

Talk a little about your defensive game? What kind of a defender would you call yourself now and where do you still want to go with your game?

I will honestly call myself a srappy defender and a defender that loves to help others, but I want to be a better on ball defender so that’s where I want to involve my basketball game mainly on the defensive side

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to make strides?

The area I´m working on most now is being comfortable, making plays with the ball along with shooting the three ball.

You must have a big ambition to reach higher leagues? Have you ever checked out a BBL or Eurocup game in ULM? Do you feel like you could hold your own against players like that?

Yes, of course I have ambition to reach higher leagues but I feel like everything will happen in due time. I have never checked out any of the BBL or euro cup games, but it would be nice to go see and I always feel like I can hold my way against anyone no matter what level of basketball.

You began your NCAA career at Gardner-Webb but played only 9 games. How tough was this freshman year? Could you gain any positives out of it?

My first year was pretty tough considering once I enrolled into the school, the coach who recruited me left, so I was left to a situation where I really had nobody that would actually pay me too much attention, but I feel like the biggest positive I gained out of it was being comfortable with not playing minutes, but still seeing myself get better every day.

You then went to Winston Salem State University (NCAA2) averaging 12.5ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 73.5%. You won a CIAA title in your first season. What do you remember of that run?

Unfortunately COVID cancelled the tournament after. I remember that run just being full of fun. We were really playing and clicking on all cylinders and have bought into what the coach wanted so I feel like that just gave us the edge over most teams and we were all on the same page.

Covid then changed so much for everyone. You missed 2 years and worked at Greensboro airport. How much did that change your life in that part of your life?

That drastically changed my life just because I was able to see how someone who didn’t play basketball or sports at all lived in everyday life and also gave me some life-changing events that I was glad to be a part of because it made me who I am today and has given me someone special I really needed.

You then returned to Winston Salem State University (NCAA2) and played 2 more seasons averaging 11.6ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 22.2%, FT: 74.5% and 18.1ppg, 8.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 61.5%, 3PT: 26.1%, FT: 74.5%. You won a second CIAA title. What do you remember from that run? You had some real defensive battles against Virginia Union and Lincoln.

I remember that run being really tough for me considering I played most of the season dealing with a knee injury, but that run right there gave me a different mind of how mentally strong I know I can be

You lost your last NCAA 2 game to Bluefield State scoring 34 points. Was that one of your toughest loses in your career?

I would say yes that is the laws of my career just because I knew that was the last game that I would ever play in a Winston Salem State jersey and I never took any of it for granted.

How did head coach Cleo Hill groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Hill really prepared me for my career just by the terminology he helped us use in the way he showed us how to play basketball so the style of basketball that they play is exactly correlated to this style basketball that is played here in Europe, but I will also say both of the assistant coaches Lance Back with and Rick Wilson were two of the best coaches that I’ve ever been coached by.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Isaac Parson?

Me and Isaac honestly never played 1 on 1 basketball, but if I had to bet on who would win, I will always bet on myself.

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

The player that I have ever faced would be Coby White that plays for the Chicago Bulls just because at a young age he really understood the game of basketball and how to get to the spots. He wanted to shoot the ball in, and that helped me understand what I needed to do to get better as a player.

Please list your 5 best teammates of all-time?

This is in no specific order. I could trust these guys to never allow an opponent to score Xaiver Fennel Rob Colon Mase Harrell Ramal Patterson Imajae Dodd

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

LeBron James Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and Bill Russell

Who is your GOAT?

LeBron James

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

Honestly, I have never seen the first coming to America all the way through. I usually fall asleep on some of those movies so I can’t honestly tell you too much about it.

Thanks Jaylen for the chat.

Lenny Anigbata Has Career Day Leading Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg past The Dragons Rhondorf 91-84

The Dragons Rohndorf came home last weekend and gave their fans an experience that they will never forget as they erased a 2 point deficit with a game winning shot by Tim Smith Jr to get their first home win of the season. The fans were on cloud 9 and hardly had anytime to relax from the incredible finish against Erfurt last weekend. The 3-1 club next met the ambitious Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg that were off to a great start having a 3-1 record and had won 2 games in crunch-time. The club has an average age of 18 and is led by head coach Khee Ree and German youth national player Julis Baumer. The Dragons Rhondorf needed a defensive break out game as they had their hands full with the Ludwigsburg good ball movement and aggressive defense. However on this night the Dragons Rhondorf had no recipe how to crack the aggressive press and timely shots by Lenny Anigbata (196-G-2004) and Simon Feneberg and seemingly endless easy lay in´s by big man Dominykas Pleta losing 91-84 and falling to 3-2. “We beat ourselves in the first half. We weren´t aggressive and didn´t play together. We knew that they would be aggressive, but we couldn´t match it. We played better in the second half, but had to play catch up until the end. They got too many 50/50 balls and that broke our neck. We were frustrated with their press”, stressed Dragons Rhondorf forward Antonio Pilipovic. Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg came in to the Dragon Dome and played their game from the start and never had a bad lull, but were consistent for the most part of the game. Their press and incredible ability to hit at a high clip from the 2 point range helped them secure the win. “We gave all we had tonight. Everybody played their roles. We played well together. Our press worked very well as well. I´m really proud of the team”, stated Lenny Anigbata.

Dominykas Pleta at the FT line

The Dragons Rhondorf were without captain Kelvin Onojola, but Marko Rosic was back from injury. In the first quarter the guests presented their press that forced the guests to 8 turnovers and half way through the first quarter broke away and were able to lead by plus 10 points that helped them keep a good distance except for a few Dragons runs until the end. There were 4 lead changes in the first minutes as Tim Smith Jr and Lenny Anigbata showed early with baskets that they were hungry to play a central role that night. The Dragons knew they had to play smart and disciplined on offense, but to many times coughed up the ball that led to easy Ludwigsburg baskets as 206cm big man Pleta would score easy baskets all night long. Rhondorf held their own keeping up getting baskets from Marko Rosic and ex Coburg big man Danas Kazakevicius to trail 15-10, but Ludwigsburg kept executing very well and closed out the first quarter with a 12-5 run to lead 27-15 after 10 minutes. In the Ludwigsburg run, it was the potent big man duo of Anigbata and Pleta who combined for all 12 points while young German youth national player Julis Baumer always found them in easy spots for easy baskets. ”Despite his young age, he is one of our leaders. He did a great job on defense and on offense, I don´t need to say anything. It is top. He does a great job leading us on the defensive end with his energy”, expressed Lenny Anigbata, Rhondorf had no recipe how to slow them down as they were always in easy position to score as the Dragons 1-1 defense was nonexistent. “I was honestly a bit surprised how well we played. This was our longest road trip of the season, but we were all ready. Our press was there and we were ready to compete”, stressed Lenny Anigbata.

Mako Rosic from downtown

In the second quarter Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg continued to play the way they left off in the first quarter combining their aggressive defense with good offensive execution, but in the last minutes the Dragons Rhondorf buckled down on defense and made a run and only trailed by 6 points at the break. In the first minutes the aggressive press continued to stifle Rhondorf as it took longer to get into their sets and on offensive Ludwigsburg got 2 clutch three´s from Abdulkay Koemuekara and Anigbata for the 35-19 lead. Ludwigsburg also did a great job using the mismatches and length to their advantage. Ludwigsburg played smart and continued to get easy baskets as Pleta made a lay in and Koemuekara scored in the lane using his athleticism. 2024 U-18 gold medalist Janne Mueller made a 25 footer and ex Drake (NCAA) German Antonio Pilpovic an off balance jumper, but still trailed 40-30. However the Dragons kept grinding away and found some daylight and went on a 10-4 run to suddenly only trail 44-40. In the run the Dragons were able to up their intensity as Janne Mueller was able to take on more responsibility and was more aggressive and scored 4 points as did Smith Jr and Dyami Janneck gave valuable support from the bench. “Basketball is a game of runs. They made some adjustments and it worked in their favor. Our pick and roll defense didn´t work and they took advantage of it”, added Lenny Anigbata.

Simon Feneberg from outside

In the third quarter the Dragons Rhondorf continued to fight, but they just couldn´t get over the hump and their defense continue to be a thorn in their back. Ludwigsburg began focused going on a 4-0 run as Pleta got free again in the zone registering a dunk and Ognjen Veljkovic made a lay in using the mis match well for the 50-40 lead. But the Dragons are a team that can execute on offense and showed what they are capable of by going on a 13-5 run to suddenly trail only 55-53. In the run, the Dragons received great support from Tim Smith Jr who scored 3 baskets while Pilipovic nailed a trey and ex Jena forward Marco Rahn made a lay in on transition. Ludwigsburg did a good job all game long taking away the three, so when Pilipovic did get open, it was only logical that he would fire away. But the Dragons just couldn´t get over the hump. Their defense just couldn´t find consistency as Ludwigsburg punched back with a 9-3 run to lead 64-56. In the run the guests got good support from the bench as Lukas Modic drilled home a trey and made free throws and the bigs Pleta and Anigbata were at it again doing what they wanted to in the paint area getting easy buckets. Pilipovic added another three pointer in the last minute, but Modic followed with a trey and Ludwigsburg led 67-61. “We knew that we had to contain Smith and Pilipovic as best as we could. We did a good job limiting their three point shooting”, added Lenny Anigbata. “We didn´t defend well. They continued to get the 50/50 balls. Whenever we scored, they had an answer. They played more in their comfort zone, while we reacted too much instead of dictating”, said Antonio Pilpovic.

Janne Mueller at the FT line

In the fourth quarter the Dragons Rhondoirf made one more run to once again get stopped and punched back and Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg slammed the door shut getting the well deserved win. The Dragons executed better on offense and received much needed energy and support from Marko Rosic who supplied 5 points while Pilpovic and Kazakevicius made lay in´s to trail 75-73. It seemed like the game could down the wire in exciting fashion, but Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg didn´t fade away, but stayed mentally strong and went on a 14-4 run to decide the game as they led 89-76. In the run the guests were led by Lenny Anigbata who nailed 2 clutch three pointers while Baumer and Pleta continued to attack and attack scoring inside and Feneberg added a three pointer for good measure. “I wasn´t in the game at the start mentally on account of the long ride. But once I was on the court, there was no pressure. I was more aggressive as usual and took more responsibility”, stressed Lenny Anigbata who crowned his career high in points with 26. The game was decided and time was running low for the Dragons. They closed out the game strong with a 8-2 run as Rahn and Smith contributed 2 buckets a piece, but it was too late too little as Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg moved to 4-1. “We stayed aggressive and knew they were in foul trouble. We just continued to attack them and never let up”, stressed Lenny Anigbata. “We just weren´t aggressive enough defensively. They made big shots in their run”, added Antonio Pilpovic. Porsche BBA Ludwigburg was led by Lenny Anigbata with 26 points while Dominykas Pleta added 18 points and Julis Baumer 12 points while the Dragons Rhondorf were led by Tim Smith Jr with 20 points while Marko Rosic added 17 points and Janne Mueller had 15 points. Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg shot 79% from the 2 point range and 41% from outside and had 18 rebounds and 9 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 63% from the 2 point range and 50% from outside and had 21 rebounds and 16 turnovers.