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Will The NCAA Or EasyCredit BBL Be In The Cards Of Jonathan Zeisberge(TSV Oberaching Tropics) In The Future?

Pic Credit: Jan Pawliczek

2025 Was a very exciting time for young German players with the influx to the NCAA. So many took the trek across the Atlantic with heavy prospects like Ivan Kharchenkov, Hannes Steinbach, Declan Duru and Johan Grunloh to just name a few. The last months remained very exciting as many have taken the NCAA by storm winning and putting up great numbers. However not every talented German took this step as some have stayed in Germany to use other options and advantages. One of those guys is talented guard Jonathan Zeisberger who took the jump from IBAM to Pro B team TSV Oberaching Tropics. The Pro B is a different route than the NCAA, but still a respectable one where guys can get good minutes and prepare themselves for higher leagues playing against men. The young German has exploded this season putting up astronomical scoring numbers. He is displaying that he had no problems taking that next step form the youth league NBBL to the Pro B. Whereas other German guys are taking the NCAA by storm, he is doing very well in the Pro B and knows that there will be fruitful opportunities down the road. I want to keep improving, and for the future, I‘m keeping all options open. The NCAA and college basketball are definitely an option, but playing in Pro A or BBL would also be really exciting”, stressed Jonathan Zeisberger (185-PG-2006) He recently got a double license to play with Pro A team Bayreuth as he continues to climb the basketball ladder.

The scoring guard who lists Ivan Kharchenkov as his toughest opponent so far in his career was born on September 30th, 2006 in Germany. As is so often the case when your young, soccer was his first option as a kid and not basketball. He played on a soccer team with his friends, but soon basketball did follow when he was 8 years old. His mother played professionally and introduced him to the sport. His older brothers also played and basketball soon became a sport that he adored. His earliest basketball inspiration was his family, but he also had one special player that really motivated him. “The player who inspired me the most was James Harden. I loved his creativity, his scoring ability, and the way he controlled the game”, said Jonathan Zeisberger He began his basketball career at TSV Olching where his mom was also a coach. He then joined IBAM where he would develop his game a lot the last years. The most famous players to ball at Ibam where the Da Silva brothers Oscar and Tristan who reached the Euroleague and NBA. “Playing at IBAM was really awesome, definitely a great experience. I had really great coaches like Darryl Siegel, Georg Eichler and Danilo Barthel who guided me and helped me develop my game. Tristan and Oscar Da Silva weren‘t really role models for me because they played different positions than I do. Of course, I have followed their path and they made great moves in their careers, but I mainly looked up to Joshua Obiesie”, stated Jonathan Zeisberger

Pic credit: Jan Pawliczek

The big German talent who lists Philipp Bode, Matija Milosevic, Nedzad MuratovicPeter Zeis, and Frederik Müller as his 5 best teammates of all-time is a player who saw the big name FC Bayern Munich as surely tempting to play for, but it simply never happened. “FC Bayern was the big rival, of course, but I never thought about playing for them. There was a contact, and at times it wasn’t easy with IBAM and the coaches, but I‘m really happy I stayed with my team and stayed loyal to IBAM”, smiled Jonathan Zeisberger He made big strides in the last 2 years averaging 29 minutes and averaging 13ppg and 18ppg as his game developed very nicely. “I would say my game improved a lot. Getting a lot of minutes in the NBBL at IBAM helped me build confidence, and I always had my own team around to support me. I also spent many hours in the gym over the past two years to get better”, said Jonathan Zeisberger Of course he will never forget his special and challenging battles against Munich in the NBBL and even beat them 89-85 in his first try. “Beating Bayern was an amazing feeling. After long preparation time for the new season you want to know where you are as an individual and the team. That was a great start”, added Jonathan Zeisberger He then did the trick beating them again as they had Marco Volf and Dominik Dolic and had a stronger roster. He had more of a role in the win. “Our team was also stronger, the plays worked better and for me as the playmaker the systems were better to handle. I celebrate my own points, but there is nothing better than well studied and executed plays with the team. Winning against them again, with Marco Volf and Dominik Dolic on a stronger roster, was amazing. I played a bigger role in the team this time, so it felt really good to help make that win happen”, smiled Jonathan Zeisberger In the playoffs Ibam was swept by FC Bayern Munich and this was the first time in the NBBL that he battled Ivan Kharchenkov. He had 24 and 35 points and Zeisberger had 18 and 22 points. They were the 2 best players on the court. “Playing against Ivan Kharchenkov is really cool because he‘s such a great player. I‘ve actually known him for a long time – we played against each other back in U12, when he was at Landsberg and I was at Olching, and we also often faced each other in the school team games. But I don‘t try to copy his game or measure myself against him; I just focus on playing my own game”, stressed Jonathan Zeisberger Last season in the NBBL he lost to Ulm in the playoffs. Ibam always had good teams the last 2 years but couldn´t get to the Top 4. What was missing from making that next step? “We faced a few injuries during the end of the season, and Bayern and Ulm were some of the best teams, so they were really tough to beat. That made it challenging for us to reach the top four”, remembered Jonathan Zeisberger He also played for Regionalliga 1 team MTV Schwabing. This was also something that was vital in his development being able to play with men instead of only boys. “Playing for MTSV Schwabing in Regionalliga 1 was a really valuable experience because I got to play against older and more experienced teams. It helped me develop my game, face tougher competition, and learn a lot from my teammates and coaches”, expressed Jonathan Zeisberger Even if he never reached the NBBL Top 4, his time there was one that he ´ll never forget. “ My fondest moment with IBAM was definitely the NBA showcase tournament in Senegal. That experience was amazing – the competition, the atmosphere and being there with my teammates made it truly unforgettable”, said Jonathan Zeisberger

The German who lists Stephen Curry, James Harden, Lebron James and Nikola Jokic on his NBA Mount Rushmore and Dennis Schröder, Franz Wagner, Dirk Nowitzki and Isaac Bonga on his German Mount Rushmore found a new challenge this season as he is playing for Pro B team TSV Tropics Oberaching. Was it a tough decision coming to Oberaching? “This decision wasn’t as easy as it looks like now. I was talking to a couple of other great teams about minutes and being their supportive point guard. It also involved the decision to leave home for a uncertain game plan. In the end I choose Oberhaching because playing time is the most important thing for me. I didn‘t want to sit on the bench – I want to play. I had a really good conversations with Mario Matic and everything just felt right”, said Jonathan Zeisberger The club is grinding hard battling for a playoff place despite having lost key veterans Omari Knox and Janosch Koegler. “Of course, it‘s unfortunate that Omari Knox isn‘t playing with us anymore, but Koegler is back in the roster. The strong team chemistry is definitely one big reason why we‘re doing so well. We focus on playing easy basketball, and we mostly play with the same group of players with very little rotation”, commented Jonathan Zeisberger He needed no adjustment period to the Pro B as he is currently has 24/2/5/1 stats. His impressive play sure makes his decision to join the Tropics brilliant. “Joining Oberhaching was the best decision. I‘ve never had so much fun playing basketball, and everyone there is really, really cool. I have the best teammates around me. Even so it’s not a big team, I can develop and strengthen my game with them. I have taken my confidence over to the new season in Pro B, because I was used to the same role at IBAM. At Oberhaching, I immediately got the trust of Mario Matic, and I‘m very grateful for that. I basically have the same role as I had before, and I love to guide the team and take responsibility in tight situations”, stressed Jonathan Zeisberger I also don´t remember seeing a German guard dominate the Pro B as much as he has as he has had 8 games with 30 or more point games including 34 points against Coburg and Speyer. It seems like I checking the box scores every weekend to see if he scored 30 + points again. He is also averaging the most assists in his career. Did he always know that he had that playmaker in him? “I‘ve always known that I have good court vision and can play good passes. Now at Oberhaching, I just have the teammates who can really score with these assists, which makes a big difference”, stated Jonathan Zeisberger He also has been blessed to have the ultimate freedom from head coach Mario Matic to allow him to perform the way he has. “Mario Matic is definitely one big factor in why I‘m playing so well right now. He gives me a lot of trust, and that really helps me perform on the court”, said Jonathan Zeisberger

pic credit: Jan Pawliczek

The 19 year old 185cm guard who lists Lebron James as his GOAT is a player that has garnered quite a lot of comparisons to Euroleague players like Shane Larkin who has left the tongue of Mario Matic on occasion. “It‘s actually true, because Shane Larkin is also one of my favorite players, and I think our games are quite similar. I also really like Mike James and Matthew Strazel and the way the play. In the end I want to develop my own style and my own game to take speed and execution to the next level”, said Jonathan Zeisberger He loves basketball and received a special nickname with the Tropics with the refrigerator. “It‘s really funny. I got the nickname refrigerator at Oberhaching because the only thing I do is basketball. I train in the morning and the evening and between the sessions they see me in the refrigerator to wait for the next session. Philipp Bode called me that because all I do is train and wait for the next session”, laughed Jonathan Zeisberger When looking at his explosive stats, one sees him first as that great offensive player. His biggest strengths are attacking the basket, his mid-range shot, and finding passes to his teammates, but he also has demonstrated zeal and skills as a defensive player. “ I think my defense is actually good. I can stay in front of my man and make it hard for him to score, but in the future, I want to become an even better defender”, warned Jonathan Zeisberger He knows that in order to make that next step as a player, he will have to continue to grind in the gym. “Right now, I‘m focusing a lot on my shooting to make it even more consistent. I want to become quicker in the decision making process with the ball, take shots more easily, fake plays and make it harder to defend me”, stressed Jonathan Zeisberger It will be interesting to see where his journey will go next season. I personally would like to see him remain in Germany. Germany simply needs some really good German players stay at home. Enough German prospects have developed great here and continued to go their ways. Jonathan Zeisberger will definitely go down the right path no matter what he picks.

Maleeck Harden-Hayes(Sporting Lisboa) Knows That He Will Always Stay On the Court Because Of His Great Ability To Defend Many Positions

Maleeck Harden-Hayes (201-G-2001, college: UNCW, agency: Players Group) is a 24 year old 201cm forward playing his second professional season and first with Sporting Clube de Portugal Lisboa (Portugal-Liga Betclic). He played his rookie season with AD Galomar (Portugal-Liga Betclic) averaging 15.0ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 78.0%. He began his basketball career with Moorhead high school an dthen played at North Dakota State University (NCAA) from 2019-2022. He then added 2 more years with the University of North Carolina Wilmington (NCAA) averaging 9.8ppg, 4.2rpg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 90.3% and 10.4ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 79.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Maleeck for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your second professional season and second season in Portugal and first with Sporting Clube de Portugal Lisboa (Portugal-Liga Betclic). Has Portugal become like a second home for you?

Yeah definitely Portugal is a home away from home. Even though I was in Madeira last year I have gotten familiar with culture and people over here and felt comfortable

Sporting Clube de Portugal Lisboa (Portugal-Liga Betclic) is battling for the top spot with Benfica Lisabon. The team last won a title in 2023. How big is the hunger to win that next title within the organization?


It’s something that is a goal of mine and something that as a team we are striving for. Everyone within the club is eager to hold up another trophy

Sporting Clube de Portugal Lisboa (Portugal-Liga Betclic) lost the first game by 37 points. How big is the rivalry within both teams?

It’s a really big rivalry, even before coming to Portugal my first year all I heard about was the rivalry of Benfica and Sporting amongst all sports. We didn’t perform the way we wanted to in our first game in front of our fans but we’ve grown a lot since

Sporting Clube de Portugal Lisboa (Portugal-Liga Betclic) has many Americans and your putting up solid stats but not as big as last season as a rookie. This season there are more scoring options than last season. How big is efficiency this season for your game?

Showing my ability to impact winning is more important than putting up stats each night. It’s more fun when you are playing around players that are just a good as you and it challenges you to impact the game in different ways and I think I do that really well

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?

When I talk to my friends and teammates about that I usually get the same answers so ill do a mix of players: Mikal Bridges, Jaden Mcdaniels and Andrew Wiggins

You were always a solid scorer and rebounder in college, but last season you made another leap as a player. How did your game grow last season?

Last year I had a bit of a different opportunity than what I was used to, which was to be the main guy or the focal point of the offense at times, and because of that I had to learn different ways to score. Playing at the shooting guard position, coming off more stagger screens and also finding mismatches in the post. Over time I got used to doing some things that were out of my comfort zone before.

What other strengths does your game have besides scoring and rebounding?

Honestly, I think my ability to defend every position is what makes me stay on the court. I’ve always been that way even since high school and really embraced that until now

How would you describe the development of your three pointer? It still seems to be up and down. What steps do you want to make to bring even more stability into your game?

I want to stay really consistent in my three point shooting it’s been up and down throughout my career, it’s really simple just staying in the gym, and being confident in my shot when it comes

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

Right now I bring a lot of energy to the defensive end. On ball I can stay in front but also can be there to rotate and protect the rim. I want to bring more steals to my game and read the offense a little bit better as the game slows down over my career

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to grow as a player?

Right now being able to make reads off a ball screen better, like I said before it’s not something that I was used to but it’s something that once it gets better will open up my game and make things easier for myself and teammates

Last season you were a rookie with AD Galomar (Portugal-Liga Betclic) averaging 15.0ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 40.7%, FT: 78.0%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home?

My wake up call was actually against my teammate now Malik Morgan. We played Oliverense at home for our first game and lost by 30. When I was in, the game was moving so fast that I couldn’t comprehend what was going on. I went home questioning if I was really built for this haha

Last season you were teammates with ultra veteran Jermel Kennedy. Was he like a mentor for you in the short time that he was there?

Yeah my guy Jermel was definitely there to guide me. Seeing how he prepared himself for the games and practices showed me I need to take care of mine in the best way. Having Jermel made the season a lot more enjoyable

You played at North Dakota State University (NCAA) from 2019-2022. How do you summarize those 3 years under head coach David Richman? How did your game grow in those early years?

Those years at NDSU I was around some really good players, I got thrown into the fire really and that sped up my development. Leaving high school and coming to campus guarding Vinnie Shahid and Tyson Ward every practice taught me a lot of things. For me during that time was to get stronger just so I could hold my own out on the court. I’m very grateful for those times at NDSU because it showed me how to find a role and play winning basketball.

As a freshman you were teammates with American Tyson Ward. How do you remember him as a player? Would you have ever thought he could one day reach the top level Euroleague?

Honestly I didn’t even know much about the Euroleague back then but knew Tyson was going to play basketball outside of college. The thing is with Tyson he is doing the same things that he was doing in college but now just on a bigger stage, everywhere he goes he wins and that’s something I tired to replicate in my first year at NDSU and even watching him now

You won the Summit title in 2020. What do you remember being so special from that title run?

That season was so much fun for me. I was supposed to redshirt and just work on my body but ended up getting a few minutes throughout the season and in the last game of the tournament. In terms of the title run I was the hype man on the bench and I embraced that role and got to see my seniors enjoy something that we all worked hard for. I got an A on a the group project without doing much

You then added 2 more seasons with the University of North Carolina Wilmington (NCAA) averaging 9.8ppg, 4.2rpg, FGP: 57.6%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 90.3% and 10.4ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 79.6%. You had many great games in those 2 years. You also had a great game against Campbell. What was your fondest moment there? Possibly the win over Kentucky?

In terms of basketball the Kentucky win was something that I will never forget. I beat a ranked team on their home court while my family was in the crowd and it was my Dads birthday. You can’t really beat that. My best moments at UNCW were actually outside of basketball. I found brothers, met my future wife and built a relationship with Jesus. Those relationships that I made are ones that I will keep forever.

How did head coach Takayo Siddle give you that last push to preparing you for a professional career?

Siddle did a lot for me that he doesn’t even know. He showed me how to ‘be comfortable being uncomfortable’ throughout the season. Without that I’m not sure if I would’ve handled the adversity of the overseas life so well
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Trazarien White?

We actually never played outside of practice, but inside there were definitely battles. Almost every drill coach had us matched up against each other, and it pushed up to be better. I’m hoping for another matchup at some point in our careers

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

Benedict Mathurin at Arizona was a tough matchup for me I remember but in terms of guys that I played a lot I would say Baylor Scheierman at South Dakota State got us a lot of problems each game

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Tyson Ward
Vinnie Shahid
Grant Nelson
Sam Griesel
Trazarein White

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron
Kevin Durant
Jordan
SHAQ

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron

Did you see the remake of the classic coming to America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?

I actually just watched the classic not too long ago and didn’t even know they made a remake. Imma leave it alone on that note!

Thanks Maleeck for the chat

Declan Duru(University Of Texas) Learned To Think The Game At A Higher Level With Real Madrid

pic credit: Jakob Berger

Declan Duru (203-F-2007) is a 19 year old 0cm forward that is playing his first season at the University of Texas (NCAA). He played the last years in the Real Madrid organization. He won the Gold medals at the U-16 and U-18 European championships and a silver at the U-19 World Cup. He spoke last summer to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Declan for talking with germanhoops.com. You played with the Real Madrid organization the last years. How enriching of an experience was this? What will you never forget about this experience?

Playing with the Real Madrid organization over the last few years has been an incredible experience. One of the things I’ll never forget is getting the opportunity to train with the first team. Being around such high-level players every day challenged me to raise my game and learn from the best. The professionalism, intensity, and attention to detail in those sessions were on another level. It taught me what it takes to compete at the highest stage and helped me grow both on and off the court. That experience really shaped my work ethic and my mindset moving forward.

Last season you played 1 ACB game and 1 Euroleague game. The competition must be incredibly difficult. You played for Jesus Mateo and other coaches in the youth sector and EBA. Was there a coach that had a big impact on you?

Coach Javier Juarez in the youth sector really helped me develop confidence and versatility. He believed in my potential early.

You practiced a lot with great players like Hezonja, Garuba and Guerschon at your position. Which player had the biggest impact on you last season?

Training with players like Mario Hezonja and Usman Garuba last season was a fantastic experience. Mario, in particular, had the biggest impact on me. He helped me a lot on the court, teaching me valuable skills and how to stay confident under pressure. In return, I helped him improve his German, which was already pretty good but got even better over time. Beyond that, we became very good friends, and that mutual support made the whole experience even more meaningful.

How has your game grown in the last 3 years playing in the Real Madrid organization?

It’s grown a lot. I learned to think the game on a higher level. The pace, physicality, and professionalism at Madrid changed the way I approach every training.

You won ANGT in 2024 and was teammates with Hugo Gonzalez. How special of a player was he? I think he could be big steal for Boston Celtics in 2025 NBA Draft.

Winning the ANGT in 2024 was an unforgettable experience, and playing alongside Hugo Gonzalez made it even more special. Hugo is an incredibly talented player — he has great skill, basketball IQ, and the kind of competitiveness that lifts the whole team. I agree, he definitely has the potential to be a big steal for the Boston Celtics in the 2025 NBA Draft. His work ethic and ability to perform in big moments really set him apart, and I’m excited to see where his career goes.

You will play at the University of Texas. You are going the route of so many young players. Why did you choose Texas?

Choosing the University of Texas was a decision that felt right for me both on and off the court. Texas has a great basketball program with a strong tradition and an exciting coaching staff that really believes in developing players. Beyond that, the culture and environment felt like a place where I could grow not just as a player but also as a person. I’m excited to be part of a team that competes at a high level and to take my game to the next stage while getting a good education. Following the path of other young players who have thrived there was definitely inspiring.

Texas is the same school as Kevin Durant went to? Do you see yourself playing more years there or taking this more as a chance to help your NBA draft chances?

Yeah, Texas is the same school Kevin Durant played at, which definitely adds something special. Knowing that someone like him came through that program and went on to have such an incredible career is really inspiring. For me, going to Texas is about both I want to help the team win and grow as a player, but I also see it as an important step toward reaching the NBA.

Right now, my focus is just on getting better every day, adapting to the college game, and contributing in any way I can. Whether I stay for one year or more depends on my development and what makes the most sense when the time comes. I’m just taking it step by step, but I know Texas is the right place to prepare me for that next level.

Who is the toughest player that you have battled so far in your career that reached the NBA?

I’ve faced some really talented players who’ve made it to the NBA, but three that stand out are Egor Demin, Tristan da Silva, and Hugo Gonzalez. Each one challenged me in a different way. Hugo Gonzalez was probably the most intense to go up against. We were teammates at Real Madrid, so we battled a lot in practice. He’s super athletic, physical, and plays with a lot of energy. Every possession felt like a real game he pushed me every day to bring my best. Demin is incredibly skilled for his size. He’s so smooth with the ball, sees the floor really well, and can hurt you in a lot of ways scoring, passing, defending. You always had to be locked in when playing against him because he can shift the game so quickly. Tristan da Silva is a bit older, but I’ve had chances to learn from watching and working around him. He’s super versatile, he plays smart, doesn’t force things, and just knows how to take advantage of mismatches. You see how mature and efficient his game is, and it really shows what it takes to succeed at the next level. Competing with and learning from players like them has helped me a lot in my own development mentally and physically.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

That’s a tough question because I’ve had the chance to play with a lot of great teammates, but if I had to pick my top five, I’d go with:

Hugo Gonzalez – We were teammates at Real Madrid and won the ANGT together. He’s a fierce competitor, super athletic, and brings intensity every time he steps on the court. We had a strong connection both in games and in practice.

Ivan Kharchenkov – We’ve been playing together since I was about 10 or 11. He’s one of my closest friends and someone who’s pushed me since day one. Playing alongside him in the German youth system really shaped who I am as a player.

Egor Demin – Egor is such a high-IQ player. His size and skill make him so unique, and he has that calmness on the court that lifts the whole team. Being his teammate at Real Madrid helped me see the game in a different way.

Mario Hezonja – Training with Mario was a big moment in my development. He taught me a lot, especially about staying confident and sharp under pressure. We became good friends too, which made learning from him even more meaningful.

Facundo Campazzo – Even though we didn’t play the same position, being around Campazzo and seeing how he controls the game, leads a team, and competes with so much heart — that left a real impression on me. He’s a true leader and a great teammate.

Each of them brought something special, and I learned so much from being around players of that level. It definitely helped shape my mentality and game.

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

My personal NBA Mount Rushmore would be:

LeBron James – His all-around game, longevity, and ability to impact every aspect of the game is unmatched. He’s one of the greatest leaders and competitors we’ve seen.

Michael Jordan – The ultimate competitor. Six rings, never lost in the Finals, and he changed the mindset of what it means to be great. Every player today still feels his influence.

Kobe Bryant – His mentality had a huge impact on me. The ‘Mamba Mentality’ isn’t just about basketball it’s about how you approach everything in life. His work ethic and mindset are something I try to carry with me.

Dirk Nowitzki – As a German player, I have to include Dirk. He opened the door for so many of us. What he did for German basketball and the NBA as a big man who could shoot and lead a team to a title is legendary. He’s a true role model.

That mix of mentality, leadership, and impact on the game both globally and personally is why they’re on my Mount Rushmore.

Who is your Goat?

For me, the GOAT is LeBron James. What sets him apart isn’t just the stats or the titles it’s his consistency over two decades, his ability to adapt and stay at the top, and the way he impacts every part of the game. He can score, pass, defend, lead whatever the team needs.

And beyond the court, he’s built a legacy with how he carries himself, supports his teammates, and gives back to the community. That combination of greatness, longevity, and leadership is what makes him the greatest in my eyes.

Thanks Declan for the chat

Garrett Hicks Received So Much Love From The EPG Baskets Koblenz And Could Imagine Returning In 2026-2027

pic credit: Angel Media

It was early afternoon last Wednesday when I got the message that the EPG Baskets Koblenz would give a farewell to Garrett Hicks (183-PG-2001, college: Samford). I was a little miffed at first mainly because he had been injured, but was supposed to come back in about a month. However things turned out differently as he decided it would be best to go back home and end his second pro season overseas. It really was no secret that making that decision to head home was difficult simply because he enjoyed his 6 months in Germany so much. “It was a very tough decision. I had hurt my hamstring and missed a game and then got a MRI. At first my injury didn´t look to bad, but the docs said that it was worse. They figured I would miss about 4 months. After extensive talks with the organization, coaches and doctors, I decided it would be best to return home and shut down the season”, stressed Garrett Hicks. Hicks wasn´t already on the way home to Kentucky and there was no 3 sentence farewell in a press release, but instead he would get a proper farewell before the Bochum game. That is extremely rare in German basketball as usually when a player leaves after a short time, there will be a brief mention in a press release, but instead the EPG Baskets showed real class and love for their player Garrett Hicks. “I wasn´t expecting a farewell like that. I had never gotten a farewell like that in College or high school. I want to thank the organization for letting me experience something nice like that”, said Garrett Hicks. Did the EPG Baskets Koblenz become like a second home for him? “Yes it was. I loved my stay in Germany from day 1. It was great to work with all. The organization treated all with so much respect”, expressed Garrett Hicks.

pic credit: Angel Media

The microwave scorer who first munched on mom´s home cooking and then visited Mods pizza the day after arriving home in the States stepped on the court shortly before the start of the game against Bochum and heard the heart felt words of MOC Dominik Duderstaedt while standing next to EPG Baskets sport director Thomas Klein and head coach Stephan Dohrn. He hadn´t just retired after an illustrious 15 year career, but instead was being honored for 6 months of superb duty. “I thought it was pretty cool being on the court. That was something that they didn´t have to do. That just shows what kind of an organization they are. It was a great ceremony and my parents were able to watch it”, commented Garrett Hicks. The ceremony was in German. How was his German after living 6 months in Germany? “I knew some words. It was a lot different to what I experienced last season in Georgia. In Germany 90% of the people knew English. I knew greetings and farewell”, smiled Garrett Hicks. He then proceeded to observe a wild game that saw Calvin Wishart hit a seemingly buzzer beater, but no, 0,6 seconds were still left on the clock and then the ending didn´t pan out glorious for the EPG Baskets. “We all thought Calvin had won the game. Mangum then sent the game into overtime with a big three. Bochum then finished strong. It is what it is”, stated Garrett Hicks. The defense continues to be a sore spot for Koblenz. What needs to be improved for the club to have a strong last months? “Our biggest problem is our transition defense. We aren´t too bad in the half court, but teams run on us pretty easy. We sometimes lack discipline sticking with our man. We like to crash the boards hard and they just tend to leak out and out run us. We need to find a good balance knowing when to crash and when to get back on defense. If we can clean that up then we will have better chances to be successful”, warned Garrett Hicks. The EPG Baskets Koblenz signed ex Munster player Larry Julian to help fill the void of Hicks departure. “He had been a good addition. He is a quick guard that creates well for himself and others. He is also a great defender. We knew that we got a great talent”, stressed Garrett Hicks.

The American who played 102 NCAA games at Alabama A&M University (NCAA) from 2019-2023 played 18 games for the EPG Baskets Koblenz averaging 7,7ppg, q,8rpg, 1,6apg and shot 36% from outside in 17,6 minutes per game. “I thought that I picked my spots well in some games and attacked and created for my teammates and was able to make an impact. Of course I can work on things, but overall, I thought that I contributed in a positive way in my role”, expressed Garrett Hicks. Last season he averaged 32 minutes as a rookie in Georgia and this season had a massive dip in minutes. He definitely showed maturity in accepting his role. “We had one of the deepest rosters in the league. We had so many talented guys. Some games I would play 25 minutes and other games 15 minutes. As long as I was ready when they called my name, that was all I could control”, added Garrett Hicks. He scored in double figures in 5 games and had a big game in Bayreuth where his three´s had a big impact and he finished with 16 points and the win. My favorite games were his scoring in bunches with his three´s against Munster and Kirchheim. “I had many nice memories with the EPG Baskets Koblenz organization. I loved the first practice. It is always great meeting all the guys for the first time. That is where you build relationships. Our first win at Bayreuth was also memorable. I also will never forget the last game where everyone showed so much love for me. It was great hanging around one more time”, stated Garrett Hicks. How would he like fans to remember him most? “That I always gave energy when I was on the court. I always tried to bring joy to the fans when I came and made a play. I loved seeing the fans reaction. I don´t want them to forget that I always tried to bring the attitude and energy and that I left it all on the court”, warned Garrett Hicks. But wait a minute. He is only 25. Why not return to the EPG Baskets Koblenz in 2026-2027? “I can´t really predict the future. I would love to return to the EPG Baskets Koblenz next season. We will see where I end up next season”, stressed Garrett Hicks.

Dogus Balbay`s Phrase You Don´t Have To Do 1000 Things Once But 1 Thing 1000 times Stuck With Jamie Edoka at Next Gen Euroleague

Pic credit. Next Gen Euroleague

The Skyliners biggest German prospect at the moment is Jamie Edoka (195-G-2008) who recently turned 18 years old. He made his easyCredit BBL debut last season and played 4 games and this season so far has played only 1 BBL game. At the same time he is one of the main players and leaders of the Pro B team Skyliners Juniors and NBBL (u-19) team. That is a heavy load, but recently his games plan was heightened as he was invited to play at the well known Next Gen Euroleague. It is a tournament played every year over the course of a weekend where the worlds best young prospects play against each other. This year´s tournament was held in Ulm at the Orange academy which is where the farm team of ratiopharm Ulm train and play their Pro B games. Edoka also trains at an incredible facility in Frankfurt, but seeing something new in Ulm was refreshing. “It is really a cool campus. They have very good training facilities. They have 3 courts and 1 main one. The locker rooms are also great. Everything was run very professionally. We stayed at a top hotel, good meals and getting around was top as well. Adidas did a really good job. The atmosphere was amazing as well. It was busiest at mid day for the games”, remembered Jamie Edoka.

The young guard who likes to observe Maodo Lo video´s came to Ulm with high expectations as any young prospect would. He was having a very potent season in the Pro B and NBBL and wanted to keep the groove going at Next Gen Euroleagiue. “My goal was simple. I wanted to be able to show my abilities on a big stage and show guys my age how good I am”, stressed Jamie Edoka. One of the things that players have to deal with when playing at Next gen Euroleague is getting shuffled together with many guys and having to find team chemistry rapidly. “It is tough coming together with new guys and trying to build chemistry in such a short time. We had a new coach and had to learn new plays. I feel like at times we were able to show chemistry. We did the best that we could”, said Jamie Edoka.

pic credit: Next Gen Euroleague

The first game for Jamie Edoka was against Ratiopharm Ulm where they lost in nail bitter fashion 75-73. It was a game where his team had to fight the whole game trying to get back over the hump. “We didn´t start well. We were always down 10 points, but never stopped fighting. We got close at the end, but lost. Despite the loss we won the last 3 quarters after losing the 1 quarter so something positive came out of it”, added Jamie Edoka. Despite the loss, he had a super game of 20/5/3/1. He also shot well from the parking lot at 2/5. “I found my flow in the second half. When I´m able to find my flow, there aren´t many guys that can stop me”, stressed Jamie Edoka. In the game, he battled other big Polish prospect Teo Milicic who had a great game as well with 21 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 blocks. “Teo is also a really good player. He has been a bit off the radar, but he has shown his abilities really well this season. He is also a really good friend of mine and I´m really happy for his success”, commented Jamie Edoka. This season the paths of Edoka and Millicic have gone different ways. Whereas Edoka hasn´t found into the Skyliners BBL rotation, Milicic has as he began extremely hot in the Pro B at Orange Academy and was promoted on November 1st and since has played 11 BBL games and 10 Eurocup games averaging 8 and 10 minutes in each competition. Does it bother him that Milicic has made the jump quicker to the BBL than he has? Are the Skyliners simply filled with too many guards? “Not at all. I´m really so happy for Teo that he has gotten this great chance to showcase his abilities and make the most of it. I just see it now as not having received my chance yet from the Skyliners. I don´t let that get me down. It actually motivates me more to keep working harder so I can get that BBL opportunity again. My main goal is to play at the highest level”, warned Jamie Edoka.

The fast guard with the lethal drive who lists ex NBA player Carson Edwards as his toughest cover so far in his career got his first win in the second game against Cedevita 74-72. “That was another close game. This was a really good team win. We played together very well as a team and played totally unselfish”, stated Jamie Edoka. He filled the stat sheet as usual with a 12/7/5 game, but wasn´t able to find his groove from downtown shooting 1/6. “I wasn´t so happy about my game. I didn´t hit well from outside. I needed to score more. But at the end of the day, I feel I helped the team in other ways”, expressed Jamie Edoka. His three point shooting percentages at the moment are worse in the Pro B and NBBL than last year, but he isn´t letting that misfortune affect him. “Of course it is annoying when you work hard on your shot, but don´t see the results in games. I´m shooting more three´s than last season. I just need to keep working hard and get in my reps. I won´t let my percentages get me down”, warned Jamie Edoka. Is it more mental or shot selection or his mechanics that has led to his current percentages? “I think that it is a mix of shot selection and my mechanics. I believe that I take good shots and I´m working on my mechanics with many coaches. I always believe that I can make shots”, warned Jamie Edoka.

Jamie Edoka with the montrous dunk against FC Bayern Basket

He only played 10 minutes in the third game against Milan which they lost 93-68. He had to leave the game hurt and also wasn´t able to suit up for the game for 7th place against Olympiakos which they were able to win 89-77 and end the tournament in 7th place. That game had a major challenge as it was played at 9:00Am. “It was really tough to play so early. We only played with 9 guys as 3 guys including myself were out. Despite the early start time, Everybody played hard and gave their best”, stated Jamie Edoka. With one close loss, the team could have gone farther in the tournament, but all in all it was a solid showing. “I think that we could have gone further. Had we beat Milan, we could have become first. You can never totally predict how far one can go, but it happened how it happened”, said Jamie Edoka. He had many great teammates and even one he knew well with Marko Petric of Wurzburg and a coach in ex Euroleague player Dogus Balbay from whom he could learn much from. “Marko and I roomed together at the Euro U-16. He is a big strong wing that can dribble well and is very versatile. His shot making ability is his biggest strength. Coach Balbay has a lot of experience. He told us a lot about his playing career. He really knows the game. The most important thing I took from him was this phrase. You don´t have to do 1000 things once, but 1 thing a 1000 times”, stressed Jamie Edoka. His stat line after 3 games at Next Gen Euroleague was 12,0ppg, 4,3rpg and 3,3apg while shooting 27% from outside. “I´m not completely happy with how I played. I only played 2,5 games. I definitely had some good phases, but I could have done more. I can´t change anything now”, added Jamie Edoka. Were there any players that stuck out to him? “There were some players that stuck out. Obviously Teo Milicic, but there were others as well like Leonard Kroger of Paderborn, Cameron Houindo of Cedevita, Vuk Danilovic of Mega Super and another German player Felix Kiehlneker of Orange Academy”, said Jamie Edoka. It will be interesting to see where the development of Edoka and Milicic continues to go this season How much does a player like Milicic motivate him every day? “I think that we motivate each other a lot. We have competed against each other for years and see each other often. To see how he has improved so much adds that extra motivation to continue to get better”, warned Jamie Edoka. The 2 good friends will meet again in Los Angeles this weekend at the NBA allstar game for the Basketball Without Boarders Camp. “I´m really glad and thankful for the invitation. I´m looking forward to competing against and with good players from around the world. I would like to meet Lebron James”, stressed Jamie Edoka. They will gather moments to serve a lifetime.

Daniel Grgic(Bulls Kapfenberg) Will Never Forget Thomas Schreiner Always Helping Him In A Calm And Collected Way When Others Wouldn’t

Daniel Grgic (204-F-2004) is a 21 year old 204 playing for the HEFTE HELFEN Bulls Kapfenberg (Austria-BSL). He has played there his whole career. He recently played his 100BSL game. He also has played for Future Team Steiermark (Austria-2.Bundesliga). A few years ago, he played at the FIBA U20 European Championship Division B in Skopje (North Macedonia) averaging 7.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.6bpg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 58.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Daniel for talking to germanhoops.com. You have played your whole life with the Kapfenberg Bulls. What has been the greatest thing about being able to play for this organization?

Probably just growing as a Player and Person. This Organization has given me a lot to learn on and off the court, witch I appreciate a lot.

You have lived most of your life in Austria, but have Croatian roots. Talk a little more about your connection to Croatia?

My whole family is from Croatia and we still have a lot of family living there. I love visiting for longer periods of time and especially having an amazing time there in the summer on the beach.

Have you had changes in roles in your career or has it been the same kind of role the last years? What is your role this season?

I’ve had some changes in my career. I started practicing and playing on the 5 position and then moved to the 4. Now I am even seeing some minutes on the 3 while mainly staying on the 4. My role got a bit bigger over the years but I mainly give the team some outside shooting with energy and versatility on the defensive end.

The club won cups in your time there and last won the league title in 2019. How big is the desire and hunger to win a league title again? At the moment you are battling Oberwart and Wels for the top spot.

The desire has been very big. Especially after the last few seasons have not really been good at all. With the team we have this year we are confident that we can compete for something great. We already reached the cup finals this year but unfortunately couldn’t close it out. So were working to better ourselves everyday and hopefully go all the way.

The team has been struggling in the ENBL. It lost 2 close games but overall allow too many points. What has been your summary of the ENBL season?

Looking at the results only it hasn’t been a good first year in the ENBL. But we took the chance to learn from every of those games and tried to bring the experience to our domestic competition which I think has been working good.

What has it been like being teammates with Serbian veteran Nemanja Krstic? He has been on the team for many years. Has he been like a mentor for you? How has he helped your game most?

Playing with Nemo has truly been a great. From pretty much the first practice on he’s always been supporting and pushing me. Due to us playing on the same position we really could go against and push each other in practice. He really helped me a lot to grow as a player with always giving advice, sharing stories from previous seasons and ALWAYS being as energetic and funny as he can be.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 204cm forward. If you had to compare your game to a NBA or Euroleague player who would it be?

Maybe someone like Kevin Porter Jr. Shooting, athleticism and defence. He has an edge on handling the basketball tough.

You fill the stat sheet well. Would you classify yourself as a modern day big man? How vital is versatility in your game?

Definitely more on the modern big side then classic. I think it really helps me because I don’t feel like I have to rely on only one thing to still have a solid game. So if my shot is off on one day I can try to help the team in another way.

Talk about your defensive game. Would you describe yourself as a 2-way player? What are your biggest strengths on the defensive end?

Yes I think 2 way is fitting. My strengths would be my frame and athleticism. Long arms, high jumps and being able to defend multiple positions can help a lot in a game.

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

I am just trying to understand the game better everyday. And playing with very experienced and talented guys like Nemo Krstic, Vitalii Zotov, Andrew Jones and more really helps me a lot.

You have played more than 100 BSL games for Kapfenberg. What so far has been your personal favorite game for the club?

There have been a lot of games with good memories that makes its hard to choose so Ill say a more recent game like playing Wels in the cup finals which truly felt amazing.

You played for Michael Coffin early in your career and in the last years for many other coaches. Has there been one coach who has had the biggest impact on you so far in your career?

I can´t really pick any single one over everyone else just because I have learned so much from each and every one of them. I am happy to have had some truly amazing coaches in my career.

What was it like being teammates with Austrian Thomas Schreiner? What kind of an impact did he have on you in early years of your pro career?

Thomas is just an overall great person and player. He really had quite an impact on me because I was just starting to practice with the pros so it was quite hard to get used to the level of physicality and speed. He always helped in a calm and collected way when others wouldn’t which was very nice to see from a veteran player like him.

You played at the U-20 Euro in 2023 averaging 7.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.6bpg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 58.3%. What memories do you have of that time? How did you in general experience your years with the Austrian youth teams?

I have some good memories. The people on that team were really special. Each and everyone wanted to give all they had. We really showed some good intensity.

What are your goals for the next years? At what level would you like to play one day?

As high as I can go. If that’s the NBA, Euroleague or Austrian Superliga I cannot tell you yet but I really want to live out my potential to the absolute maximum.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Its hard to only pick five but in no particular order:

Brad Greene, Thomas Schreiner, Rudi Williams, Eric McClellan and Vitalii Zotov

Please list your personal Mount Rushmore of 5 best players ever?

Dražen Petrovic, Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Nikola Jokic and Paul George

Who is your GOAT?

My Father, simply for inspiring me my whole life and keeping me grounded while still showing me who I am and supporting me in everything I choose to do.

Talking only basketball tough – Lebron James. Were done with the 90s

Thanks Daniel for the chat

A Little Eggs And Avocado For Breakfast And After 30 Minutes Daniel Kirakosyan Had Dropped A Ridiculous 84 Points Triple Double

When you think of 100 points in a NBA game, the name Wilt Chamberlain rapidly comes to mind. It happened in 1962 and since then the second closest was 81 points by legendary baller Kobe Bryant. Other guys have scored 100 points or more in the past like Jack Taylor that did it twice for Grinnel (NCAA3) or JJ Culver who did it in 2019 with NAIA team Wayland Baptist. It has happened overseas as well as American Jonathan Braeger did it in Germany in a fourth division game. Recently a high scoring total was accomplished again. It wasn’t 100 points or more, but a crazy 84 points by Armenian player Daniel Kirakosyan (190-PG-2005) in a 160-102 win. What was so amazing by his feat wasn’t only that he did it in a first league game, but he also added a triple double to sweeten his once in a lifetime moment. ‘It feels great to have a performance like that. Honestly, it still doesn’t feel real to score that much, but I’ve put in a lot of work, so I knew I was capable of it. I’m just happy to see that the hard work is paying off’, smiled Daniel Kirakosyan. Even if you could never seriously compare his feat to what Kobe Bryant did a little more than 20 years ago, you just can’t get away from realizing he scored 3 points more than Kobe did. ‘Honestly, it means a lot to be compared to Kobe in any way because I’m a big fan of his game and his mentality. At the same time, it’s hard for me to compare my performance to his because he did it at the NBA level’, stressed Daniel Kirakosyan. Did he do anything special that day like having the ultimate winners breakfast or was it just a normal pre game routine? ‘It was a regular day for me. I always have eggs and avocado for breakfast. On game days, I stick to my routine, I went to the gym in the morning, got some rest, took a walk, and ate some food’, remembered Daniel Kirakosyan. Another incredible side not was that he had only been with Urartu V-bet Yerevan (A-League) for a brief time as he had begun the season with Temp-SUMZ-UMMC Revda (Russia-Superleague). There he played no role playing only 4 games, 13 minutes and scoring a three pointer. At least he left Russia shooting 100% from the parking lot. ‘I feel like I never really got the chance to play in Russia, so I couldn’t fully show what I’m capable of. I truly believe I could’ve been a good player there too, but that’s part of the journey. Sometimes you have to go through struggles to grow and become better’, stated Daniel Kirakosyan.

He had arrived in this game having had 2 great scoring games with 41 and 34. Was this explosive third game with 84 points surprising? ‘ I was planning to keep scoring and stay aggressive, but I wasn’t thinking about scoring 84. I felt like 50 or 60 points would already be an incredible result’, added Daniel Kirakosyan. How quickly did he know in the game to start that he might not have only a really good game, but a super excellent game? ‘I actually missed two of my first three shots, but I stayed confident and trusted that I’d find my rhythm. After scoring 20 points in the first quarter, I knew I could have a big night’, commented Daniel Kirakosyan. He then started to score and it just didn’t stop. ‘Sometimes I was even surprised at how many points I had because I wasn’t looking at the scoreboard. When I reached 50, one of my teammates told me I had a chance to break the record’, said Daniel Kirakosyan. After the end of 40 minutes, he had scored 84 points, but only in 30 minutes. Did his team practice mostly run and gun? ‘Pretty much, yes. It was a fast-paced game, and we were pressing full court to speed them up. I was just trying to score as quickly as possible to help us build a bigger lead because our team needed that to make the playoffs’, warned Daniel Kirakosyan. When one scores as many points as he does, the self confidence must rise like crazy, but he also knows that doing something like that again won’t be a cake walk. ‘Of course I’d love to score more than 84, but I understand it’ll be tougher. After that performance, teams are already adjusting and sending double teams early, so I just have to keep making the right play and win games’, stressed Daniel Kirakosyan.

Did scoring come easier for him on that night? Was it one of those nights where he got many open looks, or was the defense really making scoring life difficult for him? ‘ I’ll be honest-it felt pretty easy to score, especially because I was making shots. I actually liked that the defense was really trying to guard me, so it wasn’t just open looks. When I got to around 50, they started double-teaming me full court, but I stayed focused and didn’t let it affect me’, expressed Daniel Kirakosyan. He got the win which was special, the 84 points was very special and getting a triple double of 14 rebounds and 10 dimes extra extra special. ‘What makes me happiest about that game isn’t just scoring 84 points-it’s that I had a triple-double. It shows I was effective in every aspect on the court, not just scoring. When I realized I had a triple-double, I was even more excited than seeing the 84 points’, smiled Daniel Kirakosyan. He had a very good shooting night of 29/33 from the 2 point range, 7/12 from outside and 5/6 from the free throw line. Did he have a favorite bucket in the game? ‘There were a couple of shots I really liked, but I’d probably say the last one, the shot that broke the record. It was funny because it was a fast-break three-pointer. I wanted to break the record with a three, so I didn’t go for a wide open layup’, said Daniel Kirokosyan. After a brilliant performance like that, it was only logical that his phone was flooded with messages. ‘Yes, I got a lot of messages, literally everyone I know was texting me. I honestly didn’t expect it to get that popular. A couple of content creators even made videos about my performance, and that really made me happy’, added Daniel Kirakosyan. In Germany, a usual occurrence when a team scores 100 points is that who ever got the 100 has to buy donuts. He actually took it a step further than just donuts. ‘I didn’t just buy donuts, I did something even better. I took them out to a restaurant’, smiled Daniel Kirakosyan. The 84 point game is history and he already played his next game. He only scored 30 points, but had a monster 15 boards and 5 assists in a dominating 142.60 win. Only 6 weeks ago, he was a nobody in Russia and today he has landed on the overseas basketball map. It will be interesting where his journey will go. One thing for sure is that one should remember the name Daniel Kirakosyan.

Swiss Army Knife Tyrel Morgan Knows That Cam Henry Set The Blueprint Last Season And Now It’s On Him To Elevate That

Tyrel Morgan (196-F-2001, college: Texas St.) is a 196cm guard/forward from Georgia playing his rookie season overseas with Pro A team Kirchheim currently averaging 8,4ppg, 6,0rpg and 1,5apg.. He began his basketball career at Langston Hughes academy and then played 2 years at Northern Oklahoma College Tonkawa (JUCO) averaging 15.2ppg, 7.4rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 59.9%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 78.3% and 15.9ppg, 8.2rpg, 3.1apg, 1.7spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 77.0%. He then played at Texas State University at San Marcos (NCAA) from 2021-2025 playing a total of 82 games and in his last season averaged 13.7ppg, 6.7rpg, 2.5apg, 1.5spg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 55.1%, 3PT: 38.2%, FT: 66.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com last summer about basketball.

Thanks Tyrel for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your rookie season overseas in Germany with Kirchheim. Has a dream come true for you? Have you always wanted to be a pro?

Absolutely. Since I picked up a ball, the goal was to play at the highest level possible. So yeah, it’s a blessing. It’s not just about being a pro though, its about showing up every day and proving I belong. Being here in Germany, it’s a dream in motion, and I’m just getting started.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it’s basketball?

Germany has a strong basketball culture. It’s competitive, structured, and respected. I’ve followed the league from afar, especially seeing guys like Dennis Schroeder and watching the national team win the World Cup. I know it’s a place where you can grow, compete, and earn respect if you put in the work.


Have you had any former teammates or opponents besides Tylan Pope play in Germany?

Yeah, I’ve had a few NCAA opponents make their way out here. It’s becoming a real pipeline. Once you get to know the grind and what it takes to stay consistent, a lot of guys realize Europe, and Germany in particular, is a great path to elevate your career.

What were the main reasons for joining the Knights. Did you get that impression that they didn’t just want you, but really really wanted you? That was apparent in the press release.

From the first conversation, it was clear this wasn’t just about filling a spot. Coach Perovic saw me as a piece they could build with, not just use. That belief? That mutual respect? That sealed it for me. I felt seen. That goes a long way.

How did the talks go with head coach Igor Perovic? How rapidly did you notice that he is a players coach and what did you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy?

Coach Perovic keeps it real. He listens, he teaches, and he holds you accountable, all in one. Right away I felt that. He wants you to play free, but within purpose. That trust? That balance? It’s what you want as a player. He builds winners not robots.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a player that can do so much. How big is versatility in your game?

Versatility is everything. That’s my edge. I take pride in being the guy who can score, rebound, facilitate, and lock up defensively, whatever the game demands. If I can guard multiple positions and impact both ends, I’m valuable every minute I’m on the floor.

Last season Cam Henry was the Knights Swiss army knife. Could you have that role this season?

That’s exactly how I see my role, the guy who plugs in wherever we need an advantage. Whether it’s scoring in stretches, making hustle plays, or guarding the toughest matchup, I’m ready to be that guy. Cam set a blueprint, now it’s on me to elevate that.

Let’s talk about your offensive game. Your shooting really stands out, but what other assets does your offensive game have?

I can stretch the floor, but that’s just the surface. I’m effective off the dribble, I see the floor well for a forward, and I know how to find mismatches. Whether it’s in the post, transition, or pick-and-roll actions, I know how to make the right play.

Your also an incredible defender. Is the term 2 way player accurate? What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

Absolutely. That label fits. I take just as much pride in a stop as I do a bucket. I’m long, I move well laterally, and I anticipate. But I’m still hungry to become an elite defender, one who can shift momentum just by showing up on that end of the floor.

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

My handle and footwork, especially in tight spaces, and continuing to raise my free throw percentage. At this level, small details separate good from great. I’m committed to getting sharper every day.

You played at Northern Oklahoma College Tonkawa (JUCO) averaging 15.2ppg, 7.4rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 59.9%, 3PT: 25.0%, FT: 78.3% and 15.9ppg, 8.2rpg, 3.1apg, 1.7spg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 77.0%. Every guy that I have interviewed that played JUCO have said it was a tough grind but an experience they wouldn’t have traded the world for. How was it for you?

Tough. Gritty. Humbling. But I wouldn’t trade it. JUCO forces you to find out who you really are. I learned how to lead, how to grind when nobody’s watching, and how to keep my vision clear when there’s noise all around.

What memories do you have of the great 2021 JUCO run reaching the Elite 8. What was so special about this run?

That run was special. We had a chip on our shoulder. We weren’t just talented, we were connected. Every win was earned, and we believed in each other. That experience taught me how far chemistry and resilience can take a team.

How vital was Donnie Jackson for your early basketball development? How did he help shape your game in the early going?

If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be where I am now. Coach Jackson laid the foundation. He challenged me early, pushed me beyond my comfort zone. He believed in me before I fully believed in myself. That type of coach changes your life, not just your game.

You then played at Texas State University at San Marcos (NCAA)from 2021-2025. Here you were able to develop your game further despite having a tough injury in 2023-204. What steps did your game make in these years?
I grew in every phase, mentally, physically, and emotionally. I learned how to handle adversity, especially during my injury. I became more efficient, more mature, and more locked in on the little things that translate to winning basketball.

You had many great games in the NCAA, but where does your 27 points in the 83-80 win over Princeton rate?

It’s up there. Not just because of the numbers, but the context. That was a team win, a big-time opponent, and I felt locked in. Moments like that are reminders, I can rise to any level if I stay locked in.

How is your bond to Tylan Pope? You were teammates last season and now teammates again overseas. What do you appreciate most about him?

That’s my brother. On and off the court, we push each other. Having him overseas with me now? That’s a blessing. We know each other’s tendencies, we hold each other accountable, and we’re both chasing something bigger.

How did head coach Terrence Johnson groom and prepare you best for a pro career?

Coach TJ taught me discipline and detail. He emphasized preparation and mental toughness. Under him, I learned how to be a pro before actually becoming one.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Tylan Pope?

Let’s call it even for now. But I’ll say this, every matchup made us better. It was never just for bragging rights. It was iron sharpening iron.

Who is the toughest player that you ever battled that reached the NBA?

There’ve been a few, but one that stands out is [insert player if you want – or just say]: someone who brought it every possession, no plays off. The ones who make the league? It’s that mindset more than the talent.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Tylan Pope (TXST)
Jaden Ray (NOC/JUCO)
Nighael Ceasar (TXST)
Isiah Small (TXST)
Caleb Asberry (TXST)
They all brought something unique to the game and made the team better.

Please list your personal NBA, German and Serbian Mount Rushmore of 4 best players of all-time?

NBA: LeBron, Jordan, Kobe, Durant
German: Dirk Nowitzki, Dennis Schroeder, Tibor Pleiss, Franz Wagner
Serbian: Nikola Jokic, Peja Stojakovic, Dejan Bodiroga, Bogdan Bogdanovic

Who is your Goat?

My mother LaToya Spencer is my goat, all the support and sacrifices she has made for me and my brothers is unmatched.

Did you see the sequel to the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?

Yeah, I saw it. I’ll just say the original is untouchable. Some things are classics for a reason. No need to remix perfection.Thanks Tyrel for the chat

Brian Dawson´s Regionalliga Season Was Vital As He Demonstrated How Dynamic Of A Player He Was

Brian Dawson (188-G-1999, college: Regis Univ., agency: Origins Sports Group) is a 26 year old 188cm guard that was born in Los Angeles, Calirfornia and grew up in El Segundo and is playing his fourth pro season and third in Germany and first with BG Hessing Leitershofen averaging 15/3/5/1. Last season he played with the ETB Miners Essen (Germany-ProB) averaging 15.4ppg, 4.2rpg, 4.6apg, FGP: 51.2%, 3PT: 35.9%, FT: 77.4%. In the 2023-2024 season he played with the NEW Elephants Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 21.9ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.2apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 59.9%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 77.9%. He split his rookie season with Tbilisi State University (Georgia-Superleague) averaging 5.7ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 50.0%, 3FGP: 29.4%, in Jan.’23 moved to BC Titebi (Georgia-Superleague) averaging 10.4ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.6apg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 72.4%. He began his basketball career at Vistamar high school where he became the all-time leading scorer. He then played 5 seasons with Regis University (NCAA 2). He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Brian for talking to germanhoops.com. In the 2023-2024 season you balled with the NEW Elephants Grevenbroich (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 21.9ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.2apg, 2.3spg, FGP: 59.9%, 3PT: 33.7%, FT: 77.9%. How important was this season for your basketball development after a tough rookie season in Georgia?

It was a good opportunity for me to be able to showcase my skills more and show people just how dynamic I can be at the guard spot

You had many great games in the German Regionalliga that season. What was your fondest moment on the court with Grevenbroich?

The best moment of that season I would say was when I scored my season high 37points against Bonn. I remember feeling really good that night that was a really big revenge game for us since we loss at their place

You split your rookie season with Tbilisi State University (Georgia-Superleague) averaging 5.7ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 50.0%, 3FGP: 29.4%, in Jan.’23 moved to BC Titebi (Georgia-Superleague) averaging 10.4ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.6apg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 30.3%, FT: 72.4%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home?

As soon as I got off the plane and drove straight to practice lol. That was my first experience outside of the US and I knew right away that I was in a very different place and long way from home

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

I would say I try to model my game after CJ McCollum. I like how he moves smoothly and effortlessly and also his 3 level scoring ability.

You’re a guy that can fill the stat sheet without problems. What other strengths besides being able to score belong to your strengths?

I would say I’m very crafty, can pass the ball well and make pick-roll reads and also my quick change of pace as a ball handler.

The highest that you ever shot from outside since the NCAA 2 was 36% as a freshman. Do you feel like you will ever reach the 40% plateau from outside?

Of course

How would you describe yourself as a defender now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

I would say I’ve a very good on-ball defender, I think I could be a little bit better off the ball and defending inside the paint.

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

I’m working my 3pt shooting both off the dribble and catch-n-shoot as well as my footwork inside the paint, being more patient and creative in there.

You played at Regis University (NCAA2) from 2017-2022. You made big strides in your game in your last 2 seasons. How did your game grow in those years?

I really just focused on my craft and stayed in the gym. I also began making changes to my diet and keeping my body strong. I had the ball in my hands a lot more too so that naturally made me more confident scorer and allowed me to get reps in different situations

You won the RMAC title as a freshman. What memories do you have of that title game?

That season was so much fun, we had so much talent on that team and had an incredible bond both on and off the court. The title game was special because it was on the road in the opponent’s home gym in front of their fans and I made a couple big plays in the second half that helped us secure the win so it felt really good to contribute in the championship game like that especially as a freshman.

You had many great games at Regis but what was your fondest moment on the court?

My fondest memory would have to be that championship game my freshman year. That’s the biggest championship I’ve won in my career up until this point and that was such a great team to be a part of.

You lost your last NCAA 2 game against BHSU despite scoring 32 points. How tough was going out like that? Did you ever rewatch the end again?

That was a really tough game. We were so close and I really felt like we played well enough to beat them that day and felt like we just got unlucky at the end. I’ve actually rewatched the game plenty of times just thinking about what would’ve been an incredible end to a special season as well.

How did head coach Brady Bergeson groom and prepare you best for a pro career?

He just instilled a lot of good morals and principles about being a good human being off the court that were very valuable and also can be applied to the basketball court, those were the things I remember the most that I carried with me as I became a pro.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Christian Little?

It would be a good battle but me for sure

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

I’ve actually never played against anyone that has made it to the NBA

Please name your 5 best teammates of all time?

Robert Vercellino – Regis Johnathon Coles – NEW Elephants Grevenbroich Nick Snyder – Vistamar Eddy Egun – Regis Christian Little – Regis

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of present or current heads?

Kobe Bryant Michael Jordan Lebron James Steph Curry Jokic

Who is your GOAT?

Kobe Bryant

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

I have never seen the movie but I hear it is a classic and I also really like Eddy Murphy as an actor.

Thanks Brian for the chat.

Juhwan Harris-Dyson(Dragons Rhondorf) Is A Swiss Army Knife And A Spider Fly That Effortlessly Soars Through The Air

Juhwan Harris-Dyson (198-SG-1999, college: California, agency: Origins Sports Group) is a 26 year old 198cm forward playing his fifth professional season and fourth in Germany and first with Pro B team Dragons Rhondorf averaging 15,3ppg, 6,8rpg, 1,6apg, 2,7spg and 1,4bpg. Last season he balled with SV Hagen-Haspe 70 (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 20.6ppg, 9.4rpg, 2.9apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 57.0%. In the 2023-2024 season he played with BSV Wulfen (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 13.9ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.4apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 64.4%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 63.9%. He played the 2022-2023 season with CSM Galati (Romania-Liga Nationala) averaging 8.9ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.6apg, Steals-1 (2.4spg), FGP: 63.5%, 3PT: 20.7%, FT: 50.9%. He played his rookie season overseas with BBG Herford (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 17.6ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.9apg, Steals-3 (2.9spg), FGP: 64.3%, 3PT: 31.5%, FT: 62.8%. He began his basketball career at Heritage Christian High School and then played 3 seasons and 70 NCAA games with the University Of California (NCAA). He spoke to germanhoops.com last summer about basketball.

Thanks Juhwan for talking to germanhoops.com. Your dad calls you spider fly. How did you get that nickname?

No problem, Miles… thanks for taking the time to interview me! My nickname SpiderFly came when I was 14-15 years old. The Spider highlights my pesky, smothering defensive ability and the Fly part of the nickname comes from my fly-like athleticism and ability to effortlessly soar through the air.

Except for a season in the Romanian first division, you toiled 3 years in the German Regionalliga. How good does it feel to reach the next level in Germany with the Dragons Rhondorf?

It is a great feeling to take my first steps in the Pro B especially with a great organization like the Dragons Rhondorf.

Why do you feel like have you had to toil in the German Regionalliga for 3 seasons? Why do you feel like you have been off the radar for so long?

Good question… I’m not quite certain why I had to play in the Regio for so long but everyone’s journey is different. With that said, the impact of my game doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet. Nevertheless, playing in the Regio has allowed me to continue honing my strengths while eliminating my weaknesses.

Now you have not only been rewarded with making the next step to the Pro B with the Dragons Rhondorf, but can also practice with the BONN BBL team. How vital was having that opportunity in your contract?

Having BBL on my contract was just a cherry on top to an already great situation, as my goal at the end of the last season was to move up from the Regionalliga.

What is your impression of the Dragons Rhondorf? You played in the Regionalliga the last years. What do you appreciate most about the organization?

Rhöndorf, from what I’ve heard, is a beautiful city with great fans that are very supportive of the team. I’m honored that the Dragons Rhöndorf organization believes in me and my abilities while also making me feel super wanted from the first talks.

How did the talks go with head coach Max Becker. What do you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy?

My talks with Coach Becker confirmed that our goals and basketball philosophy completely aligned. What I appreciate most about Coach’s philosophy is that he wants to play fast and attack the mismatches we create. That style play is right up SpiderFly’s alley (??).

The Dragons Rhondorf have a lot of quality inside. What do you believe will be your role this season?

Our team does have a lot of quality big men, especially considering the scarce market in Germany. My role with the Dragons Rhondorf this season will be to shut the best player on the opposing team DOWN! And as a veteran player, be a team leader.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 198cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I think my NBA comparison would be Andrew Wiggins or Andre Igoudola they are both 2 way guys who can do a little bit of everything on the offensive end. You’re a guy that fills the stat sheet well.

Could one classify yourself a Swiss army knife or are you too much of a scorer?

You could definitely classify me as a Swiss Army knife. I pride myself on being a glue guy and doing whatever it takes to win… whether it be scoring 20 points, getting 10 rebounds or just completely disrupting the opponent team’s best player’s rhythm. I will do whatever it takes within the rules of the game to win. My ultimate goal is to help my team be successful.

You are a very good rebounder. You never got a chance to show it in the NCAA, but have averaged 8 and 9 rebounds per game in 2 seasons. Have you always been a good rebounder or did that grow in Germany?

I have always been a really good rebounder, but in the NCAA I had to navigate playing with/against more 7 footers to find a way to get the rebounds that would otherwise be mine. Playing in Germany has indeed helped me expand my natural basketball skills while making me a more efficient rebounder.

You have shot the ball pretty well the last 2 years. Where would you classify the development of your three pointer at the moment?

Right now, I’d classify myself more of a catch-and-shoot 3 point player. However, over the last two years I’ve worked very hard on shooting off ball screens and off the dribble to expand my game every season. Confidence and reps were key for me, as I never had to shoot much in college. It was extremely easy for me to beat my man, get to the basket and/or create for my teammates.

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

I consider myself an extremely aggressive defender who relishes the frustration of players who I prevent from scoring. I thrive in on-ball defense and playing in passing lanes. I still want to work on becoming a better help-side defender with my timing and reads on the defensive end of the court.

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

Free throws! I got to the line a lot last season but wasn’t able to capitalize as much as I would’ve liked to. So this area has been a major focus for me along with becoming more of a 3 level scorer. Also working on my mid range pull up and floaters.

Q: Last season you played with SV Hagen-Haspe 70 (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 20.6ppg, 9.4rpg, 2.9apg, 2.2spg, FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 34.1%, FT: 57.0%. How valuable was this season for you being able to practice with Pro A team Phoenix Hagen and also play 2 games.

My experience with the Dual license last season was very valuable. It gave me an opportunity to learn and compete with high level guys in the Pro A, while still being able to develop into more of a scorer and leader with SV Haspe. Being allowed to play 2 games with Phoenix Hagen last season allowed me to experience the level I want to get to. I was glad I was able to help contribute to a win in an extremely hostile Trier environment. In addition, my game grew significantly, as my comfort level shooting off the dribble and in pick-n-roll situations increased exponentially while also increasing my confidence with making quicker reads and decisions.

How valuable was it battling guys like Naz Bohanon and Devontae McCall last season in practice. Was there a Hagen player that had a big impact on you?

Practicing against a guy like Naz, who doesn’t quit, was great for my overall development. Nas is a consummate competitor. His unrelenting pressure only helped me to grow. Seeing the energy he came with, day in and day out, was contagious and something I will take away from the season. Competing against Tae (Devontae) really helped my offensive game. Tae is a very strong defender with great athleticism… so, in the future, if I should meet a guy who has similar athleticism as me, I know exactly how to attack them. I wouldn’t say there was one specific player, the whole team was a brotherhood, everyone had their own impact in some way.

You played the 2023-2024 season with BSV Wulfen (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 13.9ppg, 5.5rpg, 2.4apg, 2.6spg, FGP: 64.4%, 3PT: 38.7%, FT: 63.9%. It was a shorter season for you, but a solid one. What memories do you have of that season?

The season was short, only playing about 14 games but it was a good one. One glaring memory from that season will always be the faithful Wulfen fans – if they are on your side cheering it’s a great atmosphere. The loyal Wulfen fans showed up every game even as the team struggled until midway through the season.

You played a season with CSM Galati (Romania-Liga Nationala) averaging 8.9ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.6apg, Steals-1 (2.4spg), FGP: 63.5%, 3PT: 20.7%, FT: 50.9%. You needed no adjustment coming from the Regionalliga. How did your defensive game grow that season? You were the top steal getter in Romania.

My defense game grew a lot. I cut down on my reaching fouls while causing players to turn the ball over simply by moving my feet and staying in front of them.

You played your rookie season overseas with BBG Herford (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 17.6ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.9apg, Steals-3 (2.9spg), FGP: 64.3%, 3PT: 31.5%, FT: 62.8%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home?

My rookie wake up call came relatively early… immediately after disembarking the plane and seeing signs written in a different language I knew I wasn’t in Kansas anymore (Wizard of Oz reference). It really set in when I woke up the next morning and took a bike-ride around Herford. My first visit to the grocery store solidified I was far, far from home. Fully embracing my new reality, I was more than ready to accept my new normal and face all the upcoming challenges head on.

You saved your best for last hitting Hamm with 35 points in game 2. Was that one of your best pro games?

Yes! I would definitely classify that game as my best Pro game to date. Finishing with 35 points and ? from the 3 point line certainly went a long way in helping me to forget that absolutely abysmal 4 point performance the game before.

You played with the University of California from 2017-2020. You played 70 NCAA games. How would you summarize your 3 years there?

My 3 years at Cal were extremely memorable. Even through the string of losses my teammates showed up everyday with the same intrepid intention to compete at the highest level. Those times taught me the importance of fortitude and to never, ever give up. The cherry on top… I met some incredible people and made a few lifelong friends whom I stay in touch with to this very day.

You had many great games in the NCAA, but often in losing causes. What memories do you have of your 10/9/7 game against Washington State that you lost 79-77?

I believe at this time we were still searching for our first conference win and from the scouting report I knew it would be a game that I could thrive in due to my athleticism and high motor. It was a battle and unfortunately we were not able to secure the win. I guess you could call it a moral victory of sorts.

How did coaches Wyking Jones and Mark Fox groom and prepare you best for a pro career?

Both of these coaches prepared me by giving real-world examples of professional basketball expectations and how to deal with the structure of overseas basketball. They were instrumental in giving me the necessary tools to help me easily adapt to almost every basketball and life situation.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Roman Davis?

Roman and I unfortunately never got to play 1-1 during our time their but we definitely battled it out in practice. Roman was a great older guy for me to match up with and learn from. Of course, as a competitor, I would say I would win but if I’m being honest in college it could’ve gone either way.

Who is the toughest player that you ever battled that reached the NBA?

I would say Alonzo Trier and Deandre Ayton. Both of those guys were great players for Arizona.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Over the course of my playing career I’ve had multiple great teammates. Honestly, naming only five teammates wouldn’t do your question justice. Fortunately, for me, I’ve had an amazing array of teammates that have proven to be great on and off the court.

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

LeBron, Mj, Kobe and KD

Who is your GOAT?

My goat is LeBron James. I think he is the greatest basketball player. EVER!

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

Unfortunately or fortunately I haven’t seen the second Coming to America but the first one is one of my top 3 favorite movies of all time.

Thanks Juhwan for the chat