wnba

Vincent Macaulay Enjoyed the Terrific Fan Support But Surely Should Have Had More Time To Develop And Achieve Success

Vincent Macaulay is a UK coach who made a name for himself being head coach and general manager of the London Lions for more than a decade and was responsible for them becoming a top team in the BBL in the UK. He also had experience coaching the Hemel Hempstead Royals, Milton Keynes Lions and Manchester Giants. He spoke to eurobasket about basketball before the season began. Unfortunately I didn´t bring the interview earlier and then Vincent Macaulay was released. This interview is a combination of his thoughts before the season began and questions after he was let go.

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

Thanks Miles, I am currently on the road as we travel to Belgium for a pre season game vs Charleroi, this will be our 4th game of 8. Life is treating me well as I get to know my new team and surroundings and prepare for what looks like a very exciting Pro A season.

Welcome to Germany. After coaching your whole life in England, you have taken on a new challenge in Germany. What do you know in general about the country Germany?

Thanks for the welcome, and I have been made so welcome by the people in Quakenbrück in particular and Germany as a whole, I know Germany reasonably well, I have an uncle who is German and he told me many stories about the country, I am always always awed by the organizations in the country, how diligent they are with everything they do. Also secretly two of my favourite footballers are Sepp Maier and Gerd Muller. At this point I would say that my sports intro to Germany was Kevin Keegan leaving my beloved Liverpool for Hamburg.

How have you followed German basketball over the years? The country has made giant leaps in the last years in their youth department as well as winning the World Cup title?

Just awesome! I have often watched the League, especially so when players from England would come to Germany and excel, Parker Jackson-Cartwright, Geno Crandall etc. obviously we all fell in love with Dirk Nowitski, but the development of Dennis Schroeder who was just a very quick kid, into a phenomenal player and latterly a great leader cannot escape any coach.

After coaching in England, what was it that gave you that spark to want to go away from England? Was it more than just a new challenge?

Basically I had achieved everything possible in our League really, having been in every position, player, coach, GM, owner etc as well as winning games against European opposition. The League was going through a bad time with poor management etc and I was going to try and rebuild a powerhouse in Manchester like I had done in London but the League owners prevented that so I looked for a new challenge. I initially thought Japan, or a National Team, maybe Nigeria, when this opportunity came along with the Dragons who have been a very very top team and have the resources to be so again, so it excited me and with the legend that is Pat Elzie as Sporting Director and Marius Kröger as GM I believe we have a real shot.

You will coach German Pro A team Artland Dragons. What did you know about the club? It produced NBA player Isaiah Hartenstein.

Yes they talk a lot locally about Hartenstein and his development and are very proud of him and the work his father did. In fact they are very proud of their past achievements as a club and the coaches that have gone on to bigger and better things. I always try to stay in the present, it’s time to have more current things for the fans to talk about so hopefully we can do that here.

Patrick Elzie interviewed many guys, but chose you. What was the main reason for joining this historic organization?

Well as to his reasons, I think you would have to ask him. I do know he wanted a change and maybe a different way of doing things and that’s certainly what I do. I enjoy learning the game, trying different things and inspiring players to be the best they can be whilst enjoying the game. As I said my reason is that the club has excellent resources to be at the top, it’s different sometimes you are at a good club with a good team but the resources are limited for you to go further, that isn’t the case here.

Talk a little about your basketball philosophy. What kind of a coach are you and what is your brand of basketball?`

I am a very competitive person and I love to play a fast and exciting brand of basketball. Score quick and score fast, but my entire upbringing in basketball was under the legendary British coach, Jimmy Rogers from Brixton in London, Jimmy was defence first and last so we will always be a very gritty team. The modern game is more uptempo especially at the three point line. It is exciting to see so many different styles of play in the Pro A and I think this makes it a very exciting League.

What is like working with Pat Elzie. Like you he has so much coaching experience. How vital is his basketball knowledge for your development as a coach in Germany?

Invaluable. I don’t think I’ve met anyone in Germany who didn’t play for Pat!! But seriously he is a bank of information and that is really going to help accelerate my understanding of German basketball, also with my assistant, Marcus Jackson who played and coached in the League.

What kind of character is Joe Asberry. He is a man that has seen it all. What do you believe is his biggest strength in the youth sector?

Joe is a great guy, firstly it is great having him around our Dragons Training Centre, he chats to the senior players acts as a buffer for them just in settling down and developing as pro’s. As for his influence on the youth it’s plain to see, they follow him all around the town, they love his energy, he shares his knowledge and I think most importantly helps to ground them as they try to make their way into the pro world, a huge asset.

How much influence did you have on making the the 2024-2025 roster? Was it all you or did Pat Elzie assist you? I can imagine that Elzie had some influence in getting veteran Yasin Kolo?

Ha ha! Yes I know they go way back. Pat assisted certainly especially with the vets, but also in helping me understand how the game is played here. Obviously I’ve also brought players who played for me and that I know to help blend in my style. I have had much more athletic teams than the teams in Germany but it’s about getting the blend right, to compete in bully ball if necessary, whilst also playing uptempo, high flying and exciting.

What is the goal of the Artland Dragons. The team struggled to stay in last season. Is staying in the league again the main goal

Clearly staying in the League will be a success, but the team already did that last season, I think getting to the Playoff’s and competing effectively is also a goal. There is no reason for us not to be one of the better teams however with still some weeks to the start of the season I haven’t seen too many teams from our league, after a couple of weeks or so, I’ll know exactly what we need to do to have a successful season.

I love how Brandon Thomas is still playing at 40. He told me last season that if Artland stayed in the pro A, he would add on another year. Seriously how good is this guy still? His body and the way he plays looks like he was still 30?

Incredible!, Brandon was one of the first people I spoke to when I was given the honor of this job. His experience on the floor and his years in Germany are a real goldmine for me. We talked long and hard about what was needed to do well. His game is electric he is a finisher of the highest order and I’m trying to put him in the freezer from time to time so we can extend his career, he is a true pro who looks after his body and looking at him in training, it’s no surprise he has carried on for so long.

You brought in 2 Greens. Talk a little about their games. Do you feel like they could be impact players in the Pro A?

I do, Kierell will take a little time to settle as he literally finished playing in Indonesia, he is a glue guy who can plug many holes. He has good size and I think will hold us together in games. Tajh, well Tajh will be explosive, his athleticism is off the charts and he can run forever, the two of them will help our engine to keep ticking over.

I was very shocked when I learned that the Artland Dragons had let you go.Did it surprise you also?

Yes I was surprised, don’t get me wrong, 90% of coaching positions end in a sacking but I felt it was really soon especially as I had been told we were in a long term project. I was asked to work with 7 players provided for me and I was very happy to do so and was enjoying this.

I think it was too early after 5 loses, but it seemed like they don´t want a scenario happening from last season? Can you understand their reasoning?

I think it’s really not for me to worry about the managements reasoning, it is their right, however I feel I should have been told the plan had changed and I had to have such and such a League positioning by a certain time if indeed that was the case.

Are you able to explain why the team went from top to bottom with 4 wins and then sufering 5 loses?

This was always a transitional situation, a significant group of guys who had taken a lot of losses last season, a new coach a new system so things would be up and down, I think teams start to come together after 15 games, chemistry, trust etc. We had a bad loss in Karlsruhe and I sensed the fear in the club and in my opinion they over reacted but as I said that is the management´s decision.

I´m sure you will rebound from this experience. Did you learn anything from this experience?

I learnt a lot from the experience, seeing German basketball for 2 months seeing the depth of talent in the teams and also the support that clubs have to be successful. I totally enjoyed my time with the team especially Brandon Thomas and Robert Ohle. Also that change takes time and not everyone can come with you.

Do you have any parting words for the Artland Dragons organization and fans?

The fans were terrific and supported me throughout, I think the organization is trying to do the right things but process and communication is an area that still need further development and I think they know that too.

You made a massive name for the London Lions and coaching them for 11 years. Is it fair to say that they are like your baby? I would of thought that you would always have remained with that organization. Was leaving in 2022 a tough ordeal?

Not at all. I grew up in Africa and there was a saying always on the buses, “no condition is permanent” I live by this and it gives me a positive outlook. The ownership group that I had sold out to allowed me to remain and coach, but after awhile their idea of driving British basketball was not mine so I moved on amicably and with no hard feelings either side. Driving British basketball was and is important to me, making a home for British players, having Justin Robinson as a British player be Two Time MVP was important. Now with my new challenge, if a British Coach can be successful in Germany, it will assist a lot of other British coaches to belief in themselves and go forward more positively.

I remember hearing about the club 4-5 years ago. The club made an incredible development. They played Fiba Europe Cup for some years. How vital was this organization for the British basketball league?

Well as you may know the club has now fallen on hard times due to mismanagement. The club was very important to Britain because at the time I started the club post the 2012 Olympics, there was no Pro team in London, and really no success since the London Towers under Kevin Cadle and Nick Nurse so it was important to create a big city club that could challenge. We slowly grew the club to that level and I think it helped let people know there was good basketball in the Uk. Playing the Playoff Finals in front of 20,000 people, live in TV etc, these are the things that get people excited.

In the early years say 10 years ago, you brought in guys like Nick Freer or Orlan Jackman from the German lower leagues. But the team always seemed competitive. What kind of a coach were you then and what kind of a coach now?

Great memory! These were good players, Nick was very athletic and strong and Orlan is one of my favourite players ever. His pedigree you can see as he went on to win 3 x 3 Commonwealth Gold. I was a little over thinking then as a coach, my influences like Dean Smith and other college coaches, but then watching the success of Nick Nurse and Chris Finch in the NBA showed me that our League was actually a great training ground for Coaches, so I began to experiment and be more free flowing, that’s the kind of coach I am today.

The funny thing is I began interviewing guys some years ago as the rosters got more and more well known players and ex NBA guys. I interviewed guys like Orlando Parker, Josh Ward-Hibert, Jordan Spencer, Andre Lockhart, and Tarik Phillips just to name a few. Did the budget rise in the last years? How difficult was that?

You know the environment we are in for basketball in the UK is basically very clear. If you want something, you have to find the money and make it. We get very little to no Government support. For many years I was GM and Coach. That wasn’t easy but my vision stayed clear, Jon Spoelstra, father of Erik at Miami helped me a lot in understanding how to raise money in the sporting world and I did this, then very slowly we grew the budgets to the point we were able to compete in Europe.

How did you see the development of Jules Akodo. I followed him for many years in Germany with Frankfurt. He was a very special talent then.

Jukes was with us when we won the BBL Trophy, a young guy I always kept my eye on, I wanted him for many years before he finally came along. He is a true gentleman, very talented at both point and 2 guard.

Please name your 5 best players that you have coached in your career?

This is where I say it’s like saying who is your favourite child. A tough one, From a pure talent level it was probably DeAndre Liggins, he never stopped working and was blessed with real skills. Marquis Teague was a walking bucket but then I have to add Justin Robinson, Dru Spinks and Joe Ikhinmwin as players who understood what British basketball needed. If every British basketball player was like any one of them – the UK would have one of the best Leagues in Europe. But of course, I love all my players.

Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

MJ, Kareem, Olajuwon, Kobe, Magic

Who is your personal Goat?

Michael Jordan – no question

Thanks Vincent for the chat

RJ Gunn(Inter Bratislava) Has The German Connection Having Played For Dru Joyce And Torell Martin Helped Change His Life

RJ Gunn (201-G/F-1999, college: Duquesne, agency: Players Group) is a 25 year old 201cm forward from Columbia, South Carolina playing his second professional season and first with Inter Bratislava (Slovakia-Tipos SBL). He played his rookie season with LWD Basket Leeuwarden (Holland-DBL) averaging 9.5ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.4apg, 2FGP: 47.0%, 3FGP: 34.5%, FT: 85.2% in the BNXT league and played with Corsarios Cartagena (Colombia-Liga W) averaging 14.4ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 77.3%. He began his basketball career at Irmo high school and then played 4 years at Lenoir-Rhyne College (NCAA2) an din his last 2 seasons averaged 19.6ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 49.9%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 74.1% and 16.6ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 81.0%. He then finished at the University of Duquesne (NCAA) averaging 8.1ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 69.2%). He spoke to germanhoops.com before a ENBL game against Bamberg.

Thanks RJ for talking to germanhoops.com com. Your playing your second pro season and first

with Inter Bratislava (Slovakia-Tipos).What has it been like playing with this organization that

has won 13 titles? What have you enjoyed most about the organization?

It’s been great. I think playing for an organization like this when we play in Slovakia everyone

is out to get us and it makes it fun and competitive to know you have that target on your back at

all times. We have some great people in this organization who understand how hard we work and they do a great job of working hard right alongside us players by making sure we are prepared to play

and helping us take care of our bodies through the long season.

After being in Holland you now are playing in Slovakia. How have you taken in the culture of

Bratislava? Is it like a culture shock compared to Columbia, South Carolina?

Being from Columbia I wouldn’t say Slovakia is a culture shock but compared to Holland the

lifestyle is different. I can walk around without having to check for the bike riders and I am slowly

starting to learn some words and pick up on phrases in Slovak because there everyone doesn’t

speak English as well as the people in holland.


Inter Bratislava (Slovakia-Tipos) last won a title 5 years ago. Do you feel that need to win again

from the organization? How high are the expectations?

We know that there is a rich history here in this organization but we don’t feel pressure to win. I

think we are confident with the group that we have that we will win.


The club has a good mix of Americans and Slovakian players. What exactly is your role on the

team? Are you the go to guy?

I wouldn’t necessarily call myself the go to guy because we have a lot of talent but I recognize

my importance to the team. I would say my role is to create space on the floor and create miss

matches offensively and defensively take away advantages by being able to cover multiple

positions.

What has it been like being teammates with Dontay Caruthers and Isaiah Cousins? How

important is their veteran leadership and what do appreciate most about their games?

Their experience has helped us tremendously especially being our main ball handlers because

they can make the right plays at the end of the shot clock. The leadership they provide is

needed and they both have different styles. Dontay is very vocal and helps us keep our

communication up. Cousins is a gym rat so it creates a competitiveness within the team to stay

in the weight room and on the court and I listen and observe from them and work to implement

those things into my DNA as a player.


What has it been like being teammates with Justin Mccall and Bryant Thomas? What do these

young players give the team that you appreciate the most?

They both bring energy and competitiveness to the games and practices. It’s natural for things

to become routine and a little repetitive as you have more and more practices with the same

teammates and going over some of the same things in practice but they both bring energy and

competitiveness that keeps things fresh and you have to be prepared to give your best because

they go hard every possession every day.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 201cm forward If you had to compare your game to an

NBA player who would best fit the description?

I’m not exactly sure what current NBA player my game resembles but I think my game

resembles some older or retired players. The best comparison I think is Rashad Lewis; he

played very simple and efficiently. He also stretched the floor and created mismatches because

of his versatility and size.

You are a great scorer, but also a versatile offensive player. Talk about other strengths in your

game?

Offensively I think I’m underrated as a passer because I don’t have a lot of assists which to me

doesn’t always mean you’re a good passer. My passing makes it difficult to double team me in

the post because I try to be patient with the ball to make the right pass

You have been a solid three point shooter, but this year exploded shooting 50% and better in

both competitions. How do you explain this massive increase in shooting percentage?

I have been focusing on shooting the same shot every time and also a lot of form shooting. I

have also been taking the right shots as well as having teammates who look for me and get me

the ball on time and on target.


What kind of a defender would you call yourself right now and where do you still want to take

your defensive game to?

I can be a great defender at times and I have made strides on the defensive end thanks to

watching more film and working on positioning. Also staying focused and understanding the

scouting report on each player since I switch onto a lot of different players throughout the game.

The main thing I am getting better at is playing defense through screens which again is staying

focused and having the right positioning to be able to create the right angles to stay in front of

the defender when there is an on ball or off ball screen.

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

game?

My lateral quickness and positioning on defense to become a better on ball defender so I can

cover shifty guards better and also be better in pick and roll defensive coverages on the ball to

be able to help my team play bigger lineups where I may play the 3 in those situations.

Also my ball handling and reading the floor which will make me even more of a threat

offensively because I haven’t been the player handling the ball in pick and roll but my last year

at Lenoir Rhyne coach Sullivan and I talked about it and started working on it then and in the

off-seasons I have continued it.


Last season you played with LWD Basket Leeuwarden (Holland) averaging 9.5ppg, 4.3rpg,

1.4apg, 2FGP: 47.0%, 3FGP: 34.5%, FT: 85.2%. What do you remember being your wake up

call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

To me the most challenging thing was balancing the life I have at home while I’m in a

completely different country because family is very important to me. It is difficult living in such a

different time zone because it is almost like I am keeping up with 2 days at one time. The day in

Europe and I was 6 hours ahead so one my last practice ends I am trying to keep up with home

and their day is basically just starting.

Last summer you played with Corsarios Cartagena (Colombia) averaging 14.4ppg, 5.6rpg,

1.4apg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 33.9%, FT: 77.3%. What kind of an experience was it getting added

experience before coming back overseas for year 2?

I think that experience helped me grow as a professional because at times a lot was asked of

me and I had to mentally prepare and perform at a high level every game. Also the schedule

was 2 games a week and back to back so it helped me learn to prepare my body for any

situation.

You played at Lenoir-Rhyne College (NCAA2) from 2017-2021 and made a big jump in your

game in your last 2 seasons averaging 19.6ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 49.9%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT:

74.1% and 16.6ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 38.8%, FT: 81.0%. How did your game

grow in your last 2 years?


The main thing for me was my body. I spent a lot of time on strength and conditioning during

both of those summers. I met 2 people, Carlos Powel and Torrel Martin who both played

professionally at a high level for a long time and they completely changed my life and gave me

the guidance I needed to know what it means to be a professional.

You had a massive game against Clayton State scoring 36 points. What memories do you have

of that explosive day? You won 103-99.

It’s funny that most people don’t know I was not having a good game in the first half so what I

remember the most was getting chewed out by my head coach Everick Sullivan and my

roommate Davion Bradford and they were completely honest about how bad I was and I took

that anger out on the court and we won the game

How vital was Everick Sullivan in your basketball development at Lenoir-Rhyne? Did he give

you the keys to the team in year 3?

Coach Sullivan was very hard on me and had high expectations of me coming into the

program and that’s one other reason I started working on my body and focusing on more than

just on the court. By my 3rd year he could see the changes I made and how serious I was and I

don’t think he had to give me the keys I just did whatever we needed to win the games. He also

played professionally and he helped understand the jump I needed to make to have a chance.

You added a season at the University of Duquesne (NCAA) averaging 8.1ppg, 3.4rpg, FGP:

44.6%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 69.2%. How important was it getting an extra season and playing for

Keith Dambrot? How did he help give you that last touch of knowledge before turning pro?

More than anything else Coach Dambrot taught me to do my job. He is very intense and every

practice you can hear him screaming on the side and it was a bit of a shock at first but over time

I realized what he was looking for was consistency every day. He challenges you by trying to

get under your skin and It definitely helped me play with more passion and a better motor. When

I decided to go to Duquesne I told them I wanted to be a pro and Coach Dambrot and the entire

staff from the 2 years I spent there guided me and taught me to be more professional.

Dru Joyce is head coach now. He was an assistant in his first year when you were there? What

will you always remember about him as a coach? Did you know he won 3 state titles with

Lebron James?

What I will remember about Coach Joyce is his willingness to listen to the players and his

honesty. There were some tough conversations I had with coach, even talking to him while I

played with LWD basket. The first year was challenging and he listened to me and gave me

advice on how to be better and what my focus should be on. He was honest and didn’t sugar

coat it. I appreciate having that relationship. I think if you are a real basketball fan and know anything about Lebron James you know who coach Joyce is and it surprised me but while I was there coach Joyce can still hoop.

You scored 7 points in a 77-52 loss against NCAA powerhouse Kentucky. What memories do

you have of that game and what Wild Cat player impressed you the most?

What I remember most about that game was thinking about the journey I had from Lenoir

Rhyne to them and feeling proud to have gone through the obstacles to get to a division 1

school and play against a historical program like Kentucky when so many people felt I wasn’t

good enough it felt good to compete against them to test myself. The most impressive player from that game was Sahvir Wheeler because of his ability to control the game. We came out with a lot of energy and the game was close. We were a good team but once he got on the court he was able to get everyone involved offensively and their energy changed and they were more focused. He seemed like the leader of the team because that’s when the game was no longer in our control.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Tre Williams?

Me and Tre had a lot of battles in practice because we have different play styles. He’s a

monster in the paint and I step out in the perimeter a lot but I’ll say I won overall because I hit

more 3s.

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

My 2nd year at Lenoir Rhyne I couldn’t stop Grant Williams. We played Tennessee in an

exhibition game at the beginning of the year and I made some quick fouls because he was

smart and played with a lot of patience.


Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

In no particular order I’ll go with college. Darrius Simmons (Lenoir Rhyne), Davion Bradford

(Lenoir Rhyne), Corey Thomas (Lenoir Rhyne), Tre Clark (Duquesne), Dae Dae Grant

(Duquesne).


Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore?


Lebron James, Micheal Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar


Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James he’s the best at doing it all and has met the highest of expectations and maybe

even exceeded what people thought his potential was.


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


I saw the sequel and I think it was ok but a classic is a classic. I think the concept was good

and it helped some young up and coming actors.


Thanks RJ for the chat.

Tyseem Lyles(CATL Basketball Lowen)Embraces That Moment At The Free Throw Ready To Take Winning Shots As These Times Don´t Happen Often

Tyseem Lyles (185-SG-1992, college: Mercy) is a 32 year old 185cm guard from New York playing his 7th professional season and fourth with the CATL Basketball Lowen Erfurt. In Germany he also had previous experience with Eimsbuettler TV Hamburg and PS Karlsruhe. He began his basketball career at Tompkins Cortland Community College (JUCO) and then finished at Mercy College (NCAA2). He spoke to germanhoops.com after the big 93-92 win over the RheinStars Cologne.

Congrats Tyseem on the big 93-92 win over the RheinStars. The team now has a 2 game winning streak and has won 3 of the last 4 games. Are the Lowen on the right track now?

Yes I feel like we are. Coach Florian Gut paid attention to our defense at practice and installed some new things that has helped us the last games. That push has given us added enthusiasm and we also have been moving the ball better.

The RheinStars came out strong leading 25-12. Kenny Lagab had 10 points and 2 dunks. Did you guys not have him fully on the scouting report?

We did have him on the scouting report, but they got a lot of transition baskets. I didn´t know how quick they could score from the inbounds play. That caught us off guard at times. That got them going and gave them added confidence.

In the second quarter, Erfurt bounced back being down early 39-34, How vital was your alley op pass to Lenni Kunzewitsch? Did that energy spark the team?

It did. That was a big moment that showed the home crowd and team that we were there to play.

Noah Kamdem was a beast getting many baskets in the second quarter. Does the team realize his worth? He could have been the difference the last years between a title and not when he was injured.

Yes for sure. We know that if he had played more the last years, that that would of made a big difference. Things happen for a reason. We are very happy that he is with us now and we embrace it.

Samuel Nellessen also gave good energy with 2 baskets. How have you observed his development this season?

He has been so good at keeping it simple. That is what makes him so reliable. He is great at on ball defense, cutting and shooting when he is open. What more can you ask from a guy coming from the bench.

The game was tied at 61-61 after 30 minutes. Erfurt continued to fight and stay with the RheinStars. What was key for staying on track?

Before there were times where we got hectic and made unforced turnovers. We stayed calm and made the right reads and just trusted each other.

Ruppert Hennen scored at ease the whole game. Is his mid distance game unstoppable?

I wouldn´t say that. His big man Bjoern Rohwer sets great screens that makes it difficult for us to contain him. I feel like if we play him 1-1, then he isn´t that unstoppable.

Lenni Kunzewitsch made a huge block which led to your three pointer. How key was that for the Lowen´s route to overtime?

I think that this was the play of the game. That gave us great burst of energy. We really needed that, because we were so exhausted.

The overtime was very exciting and went back to back. Paul Albrecht made a key block to lead to your winning free throws. How accurate is it to say that Pail Albrecht is Mr everything?

That is exactly what it is. He is always rebounding the ball well and he makes the right read every single time. He is always helping with his hook shoot. He is Mr everything.

What is going through your mind when your standing there and have to make the free throws. Is everything around you totally locked out?

I seriously like to embrace the moment. I tune into the crowd. These are the moments you dreamed as a kid. I take my time. You don´t get many moments like that.

The only negative aspect was the rebounding. Is that a continued work in team progress?

Yes for sure. You can never stop getting better. Rohwer really made it tough for us to rebound. But we showed against them that we could go toe to toe with tough players. I feel like that gave us added self-confidence. That will help us continue to make steps in our rebounding in the future.

The defense continues to be a work in progress. Do you see any defensive identity trying to be formed?

I think so. We are still trying to find a way as a defensive team. Coach Flo always wants extreme on ball pressure. But that is difficult when you play 40 minutes. We have to find a way to become more consistent. We haven´t found our groove yet, but we will never give up. I feel like we will get better with time.

You played 43 minutes. Did you feel like a marathon man?

I don´t know, because I have never run a marathon. I felt satisfied after the win for getting rewarded for playing so hard.

You had 26 points and shot 11/35. That was the most shots that you have taken in your pro career. Was it just one of those games where you really felt the need to have to shoot more than usual?

When I went into the locker room at the break, I went in with my head down. I missed many shots and realized that I had put a lot of pressure on myself needing to perform with high efficiency. I knew I had to clear my mind and put aside my own goals and get the job done as best as I could to get the win. I didn´t feel an extra need to shoot more. I understand that I have to take open shots and don´t complicate anything. When I see daylight, I always need to shoot.

Your three pointer continues to be your big weapon, but you also have a nice drive and mid range game. Could you imagine taking more 2 point range shots or is it always what the defense gives you?

That’s is a result that has happened over the years from coaches telling me my mid range shot is a bad one. This year it´s all about getting back to myself and taking mid range shots. I took a crucial mid range shot late in the fourth quarter

You next play Orange Academy. They have had a solid start. What will be key to getting the win?

We have to stick together and really buckle down on defense. We know that if we want to continue this win streak, we will have to be very focused and be concentrated. If we do that then we can win against anyone.

Thanks Tyseem for the chat.

Bryce Hamilton´s (Rostock Seawolves) Has The Sniper´s Mentality That Every Shot Will Go In

Bryce Hamilton (193-G-2000, college: UNLV) is a 23 year old 193cm guard from Pasadena, California playing his third professional season and first in Germany with the Rostock Seawolves. He played the last 2 seasons with the South Bay Lakers (NBA G League) averaging 14.8ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 69.8% and 16.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 52.0%, 3FGP: 37.1%, FT: 68.2%, in Apr.’24 moved to ASP Promitheas Patras (Greece-GBL) averaging 12.1ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.5apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 51.4%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 76.9%. He began his basketball career at Pasadena high school and then played at University of Nevada – Las Vegas (NCAA) from 2018-2022 and as a senior averaged 22.0ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.3apg, FGP: 48.5%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 76.8%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after the 83-66 win over the Frankfurt Skyliners.

Congrats on the massive 83-66 win over the Frankfurt Skyliners. How good does it feel getting the win after having lost 3 of the last 4 games?

It felt good. We had a big emphasis on getting the win. We had lost some games at home and wanted to get on the winning track again. We beat a very good team, but we know that we still have to get better.

Rostock had a strong first quarter winning it 23-16. The game began with 4 three pointers. Were you expecting that?

No not really. But these things happen during the course of a game. We knew going in that they were a good offensive team. But we were confident continuing that we would be able to wear them down.

You nailed 3 in a row. Were you already feeling good going in or did those 3 three´s surprise you a bit?

My shots felt good. I have a lot of confidence in the work that I put in. I always have that mentality when I shoot that the ball will always go in.

You have been a pretty solid three point shooter since your NCAA days, but this season it´s been incredible. Have you been in the gym a lot more or what do you credit your hot shooting to?

I think that my big focus has been staying in the gym and just being consistent. My 3 point percentage has really gone up in the last years. I trust the work that I put in and have a lot of confidence in my shot.

Godwin Omenaka also gave good energy and had 3 blocks. How important has his play been this season?

He is super important for us. His presence scares opponents when they drive to the rim. He blocks shots and effects where shots will go. He is also a great lob threat. It has been a big pleasure playing with him.

Malik Parson gave Frankfurt big time energy with 11 unanswered points. That guy is a walking bucket. He had a Euroleague offer last week, but Frankfurt didn´t let him go. Was that about as good as letting some steam out to let possible frustration loose?

Yeh probably. He is a great player though. He really got hot against us. He will have a great season.

Is it Parson´s quickness the most difficult part in containing him, or his shiftiness and finding his spots?

Yes he is very shifty and you never know where he will go. You just try to do your best and hope he misses. He can score at any level and doesn´t see a bad shot.

The game remained tight in the third quarter but Rostock kept the lead. What adjustments did the team make on the defensive end?

We just stuck to the game plan. We knew that with time they would miss shots. We were defending tough and forcing them to tough shots.

What did coach : Przemyslaw Frasunkiewicz tell you guys to do going into the fourth quarter? You only allowed 9 points?

He just told us to keep doing what we were already doing. We know that we are a physical and great defensive team. We take a lot of pride in it. We knew that we had to finish the game well.

In the fourth quarter Rostock stepped up with big buckets from Schwartz and you early, but overall the whole team chipped in. What was key for controlling the fourth quarter?

We did a good job maintaining the lead and playing great defense. We moved the ball well and got out on transition.

Rostock controlled the boards and had only 6 turnovers. What was the biggest positive that the team got from this win?

Our togetherness. We just had to lock in and not fold, but stay composed.

German Robin Amaize chipped in with 16 points and 8 boards. What do you appreciate most about his game?

I love his game. He is a great player that plays with great energy. He can do it all. He guards the other team´s top player and hit shots on offense and can playmake. He is only getting better. It has been a pleasure playing with him.

How vital is it having a player like D´Shawn Schwartz by your side who can take the pressure off you at times?

He has also been a big help. He always gives great energy and is a tough match up. Even when he isn´t scoring, he brings other important things to the team to help win.

How key is it having a big guy like Philipp Hartwich on the court? What have you appreciated most about his game?

He is a great rim protector that can block shots. He is also a lob threat and great passer.

You had your highest point total in the BBL with 27 points. You have needed no adjustment coming from the G-League. What has been your secret to being able to adjust so well?

It has been just being confident in my game. I know that every game is tough, but I get the trust from my coach and teammates.

You shot 5/14 in the first 3 games and now are 15/31 in the last 4 games. Have you had more reps or has it been the extreme focus coach wants you to have while taking reps?

Coach has been a big help. He wants us super focused when we are taking reps. I have been totally locked in during shooting.

What was your impression of the Frankfurt Skyliners. This is a very critical stage in their season as they have many road games in a row. Their season could be made or broke.

They are a really good team. They played us tough and at times when we tried to pull away, they continued to play hard until the end. They have enough guys that can score. They may have a tough span now, but anything can happen in this league. Anyone can beat anyone.

You next play top team Telekom Baskets Bonn. How vital will it be getting a win as after that the team has a longer break?

This will be a huge test for us to see where we stand against a top team. We respect them, but won´t come out lightly against them. We will play to win.

Yesterday was Halloween. What was your fondest Halloween moment?

I won a Halloween contest. I was Batman.

Thanks Bryce for the chat.

Tim Smith Jr Is Pure Clutch Hitting Winner Guiding The Dragons Rhondorf Past The CATL Basketball Lowen Erfurt 96-93

One thing one can´t say is that the Dragons Rhondorf haven´t been performing on the road. They have showed real nerves on the road as they returned back to the Dragon Dome with 2 wins. The only thing missing was having that first dub in their own living room. They were shell-shocked in the home opener losing to the RheinStars, but were also without 3 vital players. Despite the 2-1 record, there was some concern with the Dragons defense as they had let up an average of 106 points in the last 2 games. They had to be sharp for the Basketball Lowen as despite having a 1-2 record like the Dragons were an offensive powerhouse averaging 88 points per game with guys like Lyles, Albrecht and Kamdem, but defensively also had allowed more than 90 points per game in the season. Nothing changed on the defensive end as both teams had trouble not allowing points, but no team made 100 points. Sometimes even high scoring games can be exciting as both teams fought to the end, but the Dragons Rhondorf executed better and made a game saving stop to secure the 96-93 win as Tim Smith Jr. (201-F-2000, college: N.Alabama) made the winning shot and Lithuanian big man Danas Kazakevicius made 3 massive blocks in the fourth quarter to lead the charge. “I´m super proud of the guys. To be able to stay together and fight together despite making small mistakes was big. Danas Kazakevicius won us the game. He stepped up on the defensive end and got the crowd fired up and helped give us the needed energy and physicality that we needed so badly”, stated rookie Dragon Tim Smith Jr.. It was a bitter loss for the Basketball Lowen as they had the win in their hands, but a bad turnover in the last seconds cost them the game. “I feel like we did a good job showing character during slumps in the game. We fought until the end, but we made some defensive mistakes on the pick and roll”, stated Erfurt American Tyseem Lyles.

Danas Kazakevicius at the FT line

The Dragons Rhondorf received a real shock as the team announced before the game that Kelvin Omojola would miss the game as his calf injury came back to haunt him while Marko Rosic was out again. The Dragons had suffered a brutal blow out loss to the RheinStars 2 weeks earlier as their 2 main point guards were out. Young German Dyami Janeck got the nod and coughed up the ball in the first 2 possessions. But he would find his way better into the game. Both teams found their offensive rhythm rapidly as one noticed soon that defense wasn´t on the menu for the 2 teams. Rhondorf got baskets from game captain Antonio Pilipovic and a turn around shot from Tim Smith Jr., but Erfurt had answers as ex Skyliner Noah Kamdem made a lay in and Tyseem Lyles who was in a massive shooting slump connected to tie the game at 7-7. Rhondorf then went on a mini 4-0 run as Janeck made a lay in and Smith a jumper for the 11-7 lead. Erfurt was having difficulty finding calmness in their sets. But Lyles just continued to blast away hitting his second trey of the game. He was averaging only 11,0ppg coming into the game after averaging 19,0 last season, but this game would be his season break out. Both teams just continued executing as ex Rhondorf forward Paul Albrecht scored from outside as did Janeck from the parking lot to tie the game at 16-16. “Janeck was huge tonight. He brought a lot of energy. We just kept telling him to keep working hard. He is so fast and really no one can stay in front of him. I see it in practice all the time”, stressed Tim Smith Jr.. The mini game of runs continued as Erfurt went on a 5-0 run as ex Dragon Sam Nellesson scored form outside and Leni Kunzewitsch scored inside for the 21-16 lead. But Rhondorf fought back and got big support from 2024 u-18 Eurochampion Janne Muller as the Dragons Rhondorf had the slim 27-25 lead after 10 minutes. “They were going down hill on us and picking us apart. We stayed together and took the blows and returned runs”, stated Tim Smith Jr.. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 67% from the field and 60% from outside and had 8 rebounds and 5 turnovers while the CATL Basketball Lowen shot 73% from the field and 80% from outside and had 3 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

Tyseem Lyles from outside

In the second quarter the scoring continued to be the main course for both teams and Erfurt controlled the game, but couldn´t lead by more than 5 points. Erfurt went on a quick 7-0 run as Paul Albrecht made an old school hook shot, Kamdem an offensive rebound and put back and ex Jena guard Jan Heber with a trey for the 32-27 advantage. However the Dragons always had an answer as Pilipovic nailed a three pointer to tie the game at 32-32. However Erfurt just had more rhythm on offense as they cruised out on a 6-1 run to lead 38-33. In the run, the guests received 2 lay in´s from Alieu Cessay and Kamdem and an off balance shot from Paul Albrecht. Albrecht scorched his ex team last season for 32 points in the Dragon Dome and on this night was doing absolutely what he wanted and hitting much. “Albrecht was hitting shots that I had never seen before. Some were real old school shots. He was also making hook shots and the pick and pop”, stated Tim Smith Jr.. Erfurt had better team play and Rhondorf had problems with 1-1 defense. However the Dragons Rhondorf found a way back going on a 10-2 run to steal the lead back at 43-40. In the run, Janeck hit another big trey while ex Bayreuth German Marco Rahn made a lay in and Smith Jr was aggressive on the offensive glass with a tip in. Erfurt tied the game at 43-43 with Jan Heber free throws. However Rhondorf closed out the second quarter strong with clutch three´s from ex Skyliner Alexander Lagerman and lay in´s by Pilipovic and a spin move by Muller as the Dragons led 52-49 at the break. “We stepped up our defense more this quarter and had more intensity”, said Tim Smith Jr.. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 58% from the field and 60% from the three point line and had 16 rebounds and 8 turnovers while the CATL Basketball Lowen Erfurt shot 59% from the field and 67% from the three point line and had 12 rebounds and 7 turnovers.

Tim Smith Jr jumper

In the third quarter Erfurt got off to a rapid start and would lead by as much as 10 points, but the Dragons Rhondorf never gave up and fought back and trailed only by 2 points after 3 quarters. Erfurt began with a lethal 10-0 to lead 59-54 as Noah Kamden was a beast scoring twice, while Lyles added another trey and Cessay a lay in. Erfurt heightened their defense and forced the Dragons to tougher shots and were rewarded getting easy baskets. Erfurt just continued to play their game and keep that offensive rhythm as Kamdem scored 2 more times and totally dominated in the paint. Albrecht made his bread and butter with a running hook shot and Janne Muller continued to be consistent and was a real spark plug scoring 5 points, but Rhondorf still trailed 65-58. Kamdem continued to be on fire making another lay in and dunk, but the Dragons punched back and Muller and Janeck scored inside and Lagerman made a three pointer to trail 69-65. Both teams continued to play with much energy and were living off their adrenaline as it really didn´t seem like any team was tiring. After an Albrecht running hook shot that saw nothing but net, Tim Smith Jr. delivered again with 2 buckets to keep Rhondorf close trailing 71-69 after 3 quarters. “We were lacking intensity. Kamdem was dominant and we could move him away from the zone. He was shooting over 2 guys. Lyles was picking us apart with his three pointer”, commented Tim Smith Jr.. “They got a lot of free throws which stopped our momentum. Kamdem kept us in the game”, added Tyseem Lyles. The CATL Basketball Lowen were shooting 54% from the field and 47% from the parking lot and had 24 rebounds and 7 turnovers while the Dragons Rhondorf shot 49% from the field and 47% from the parking lot and had 29 rebounds and 9 turnovers.

Paul Albrecht at the FT line

In the fourth quarter it looked like the CATL Baskets Lowen would break away as they led by as much as 6 points, but the Dragons Rhondorf just continued to chip away and fought and fought. Lyles began the fourth quarter with a trey for the 76-69 lead. Lyles added 27 points in the loss and was out of his slump. “I didn´t go into the game feeling like today was the day where I would break out. I went into the game wanting to have fun. I just feel blessed to be able to play the game and get paid for it”, warned Tyseem Lyles. But the Dragons Rhondorf were ready and struck back with 3 Smith jr free throws and a big transition dunk by Lagerman to deadlock the game at 74-74. But Erfurt continued to have more fire as they tried to break away again as Heber made a lay in and Lyles another trey for the 82-76 advantage. Kamdem and Mueller then traded buckets as Erfurt still led 84-81. Albrecht made a runner for the 86-81 lead. However then came the big time for Muller and Danas Kazekevicius. In a span of a few minutes Kazakevicius made 3 clutch blocks and Mueller a big 3 pointer as suddenly the game was tied at 90-90. “We always get on Danas to play off his butt and he did. He probably had more than 3 blocks. Muller played amazing. He hit tough shots and kept us in the game. He hit some shots that I never saw him make”, expressed Tim Smith Jr.. After a Kamdem offensive rebound and put back, Antonio Pilipovic that got a technical foul and Lyles made the free throw for the 93-91. Rhondorf made a giant stop and had the ball with 16 seconds. Tim Smith Jr. nailed a big three pointer for the 94-93 lead with 8 seconds to play. Aggressive Dragons defense forced a turnover against Erfurt in the inbounds and Smith Jr then sealed the win with free throws. “We wanted to get me the ball in the post, but my shot was actually off a broken play. I knew that after I missed the post up, that I just had to take it. I knew when I released it that it was going in”, warned Tim Smith Jr.. “We wanted to trap and go for the steal and if that didn´t work foul. I saw the ball was ahead of my teammate and I tried to help, but left my man leaving Smith Jr open for the shot”, said Tyseem Lyles. The Dragons Rhondorf were led by Tim Smith Jr. with 28 points while Janne Muller had 24 points while the CATL Basketball Lowen Erfurt were led by Tyseem Lyles with 27 points while Noah Kamdem had 23 points and Paul Albrecht 11 assists. The Dragons Rhondorf shot 49% from the field and 52% from outside and had 37 rebounds and 11 turnovers while Erfurt shot 50% from the field and 4 3% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 12 turnovers.