writing

American Guys Like Joe Asberry Elijah Allen And Omari Knox Are Just As Much Responsible For Helping German Basketball Development With Their Training Of German Kids

Joe Asberry is a legend. He is an American ex professional basketball player that really has seen it all from crime to drugs, but also played against legends like David Robinson (215-C-65, college: Navy), Gary Payton, Jason Kidd and Brian Shaw and was teammates with German legendary player Christian Welp. He had a 11 year professional career that saw him toil around in the minor leagues of Germany, but he belonged to the best in his day at that level. Since retiring from the game, he has been a spokesperson for young kids and drug prevention, guest speaker, worked in the Alba Berlin organization, been a master of ceremonies for UBC Hannover and been a mentor for young Americans coming overseas trying to live the dream of being a professional basketball player.Currently he is in his second season with the Artland Dragons organization coaching girls U-14 and U-16 and boys U-18. A big focus in his basketball life in Germany has been working with kids. Not only keeping them out of trouble and being an excellent role model, but also teaching them the game. He sees joy in a young German kid having success on the court just as much as he does seeing Steph Curry bury a three pointer for his home town team Golden State Warriors. There is probably no other American in Germany now that has worked as long with kids as he has. He has been following and been involved with the rise of German basketball just as much as German coaches who have worked endless hours helping kids develop. But all in all, it isn´t only Germans and Joe Asberry who have contributed to the youth development but so many other Americans. How often do you see an American from the BBL to the Oberliga help coach youth teams? It is everywhere especially with lower level teams where Americans have so much free time on their hands, why not give a hand with guiding the kids? “Guys like Elijah Allen (194-PF-1989, college: NW Missouri St.), Omari Knox, Levi Levine, Ronny Weihmann, Andrew Jones, Coach Omar Sylla (just to name a few) have been training youth here for YEARS! Teaching them how to be shifty,and play like PRO´S, instead of ROBOTS, who CAN´T create their own shot. My guy Misan Nikagbate, (yes,the same beast who played for the National Team) has been training kids daily since 2017! Everytime I call Misan,I say,”Can I speak to the Gentleman, that Dunked on Yao Ming Please”? So yes, I saw this coming, that Germans were on the Road to Success”, laughed Joe Asberry.

Of course Joe Asberry followed the magical run of Germany the last weeks and even if he will always root for his home land USA, he is proud of the success of German basketball.

“As an American, I´m thrilled that Germany won the Euro Chip. It means more kids will fall in love with the sport. I´ll give myself credit for helping a Gang of kids here in Germany, fall in Love with Basketball. When the National Team wins ANY American,doing basketball business in Germany WINS”, warned Joe Asberry.

Joe Asberry has seen his share of titles in USA and Europe and has a very special connection to Germany´s surprising win in 1993 over Russia.

Back in 1993, I got a shot at Pro Basketball in the Second Division in Finland. So when my dawg,Big Chris Welp won his chip, it was a special feeling. I was so happy for him. When he played for the Golden State Warriors he gave me money to take back to my hood in the Bay to get everyone hammered, and that´s exactly what I did. I flew from Tampere to San Francisco, and told my dawgs, the big fella won a chip, CHEERS! “, stressed Joe Asberry.

Would it have been crazy to have predicted a Gold medal before the tournament started? With the success of German basketball in the last years, would it have been Ok to predict a Gold or been more unrealistic?

“I´m sure all German Fan´s thought their Team was going to win Gold. Dennis Schroeder is a Beast! Mo and Franz Wagner are REAL LIVE Dogs. Daniel Theis plays basketball like a Grown ass Man! Bonga was the X factor. He doesn´t get enough credit for his Defense. With that wingspan, he can guard 1 thru 5. Those are the stars, but that team is Stacked”, said Joe Asberry.

It was the 2 best teams in the tournament with Germany and Turkey at 8-0. Was this the top final compared to the 1993 final vs Russia and 2023 final vs Serbia?

“1993 has special meaning for me, because of my Boy,Big Welp, but this Team is unreal. On that last shot, I knew Schroeder would get to his spot and cook, he is so quick and shifty, at that moment, he would have cooked,ANYBODY,in the WORLD”, warned Joe Asberry. Big words from him, but Asberry has seen it all and Schroeder would even have cookeda Victor Wembanyama. And why not his killer instinct would have also gotten him over that tree of a player.

The final game was a real dog fight with Turkey leading by as much as 11 points and being very strong. Germany´s key to winning the chip was one that every team dreams of having.

“Germany won that Gold Medal because of their Team Chemistry! They put away their ego´s to WIN together”, added Joe Asberry.

There has always been talk about the intense mentality, great team character and togetherness of Germany the last years. How does one keep developing it and not losing it over time?

“The best way to keep that Chemistry, is to keep them all together, now they just have to add one more piece, my Boy,Kevin Yebo, another Real Live Dog”, stressed Joe Asberry. The love for Kevin Yebo will always be there from Asberry. Asberry discovered him and watched him move from the Regionalliga to the Euroleague.

There was a time in the 80s and 90s where you said in German football and after 90 minutes Germany always wins. I feel like there is this mentality now in German basketball. I personally was never fearing a loss in the fourth quarter even when Turkey was up by 6 points.

“Osman and Bona are Elite. Sengun is on his way to becoming a Superstar. Shane Larkin is ELITE ELITE. I was just praying Schroeder and Wagner save the day, and Schroeder saved the day”, smiled Joe Asberry.

What was key down the stretch that Germany could win the game. How much of a factor was the deep bench of Germany?

Germany´s bench is deep, but to me the key down the stretch was Schroeder and Wagner. Dennis Schroeder just looks so comfortable with that ball in his hands, and he won´t just chunk up a wild shot to be a hero, he makes the winning plays for his Team”, stated Joe Asberry. I would always give Larry Bird the ball any day and for Germany it´s simply Dennis Schroeder. That´s a fact.

But not only was Dennis Schroeder a massive factor for the success, but also Franz Wagner. The Berlin native was already incredible 2 years ago in the World Cup win, but he is on his way to becoming extra special.

“Franz Wagner is unreal. At that size,with his skillset,the sky is the Limit. When you learn hoops from a Legend like Juwan Howard, you CAN´T GO WRONG! He´s already a star in Orlando, and he is getting better by the minute. Humble Superstar”, warned Joe Asberry.

Joe Asberry dunking back in the day!

Isaac Bonga continues to grow as a player since coming back from the NBA? Shouldn´t a tournament like this and especially how his game has developed the last 3 years give him another NBA opportunity?

“Issac Bonga is qualified to play on ANY NBA ROSTER! That man is a BEAST”, added Joe Asberry. I´m sure he will be in the NBA in 2026 and latest in 2027 when He and Germany win the Gold Medal at the Olympics.

You either like or dislike Dennis Schroeder, but he came up big in the second half after being closed down well in the first half. How does one explain his unbelievable ability to be able to turn around the lever and play like a winner when his team needs it most?

Dennis Schroeder is one of the best players in the World! With success comes Hate. People judge that Man, and they have ZERO Clue who he is. They have never had a conversation with him. I have inside info though. My man Big Dia, my boy Dami,Ant Watkins, Yebo, all told me he is a good dude. Last but not Least, Coach Livio Calin, (who let me get 1000 makes in,when everyone else was afraid of me, and calling me crazy) gave Schroeder a chance in Braunschweig, and believed in him. Coach Livio told me DS is a good dude, so DS,is a GOOD DUDE! So I´m one of the Fans that LOVES HIM TOO”, warned Joe Asberry.

I have never understood that despite showing the last years what an incredible leader he is for Germany, he gets overlooked by NBA teams and has been a journeyman? Do NBA bosses have the wrong perception of him?

Yes, NBA bosses have this perception that he´s arrogant. I heard that from a reliable source. The thing is, when they cut you, or trade you, its all good. But when Dennis Schroeder turned down the Laker deal, they all probably got in their feelings. What they DON´T UNDERSTAND is that Schroeder can NEVER LOSE! He represents Alte Waage! Nobody wants to talk about the Racism he went through in that town. Again, THANK YOU COACH LIVIO”, stressed Joe Asberry. Braunschweig will always be home for Dennis Schroeder and he is giving back by helping the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig continue to make strides as an organization.

Dirk Nowitzki has been the GOAT of German basketball for more than 15 years. With the World and Euro won, Is Dennis Schroeder at Nowitzki´s level in terms of being in the same category as him?

“You can´t compare Dirk Nowitzki and Dennis Schroeder, they´re two different breeds of beasts! It´s always a matter of Opinion. Big Dirk is my Goat, but I´m biased. I´ve had conversations with him, and I´ve never met a guy who was at one time, the best basketball player in the World, and can yet be so nice, and so Humble. He put a NBA Team on his back, and won a Chip. 7 Footer with a Sweet Jay, and we all know that the World has copied his fadeaway off one leg. When my WNBA All star Big Leni masters the “Fall Away Dirky” she will be the next superstar in Germany, no pressure though! LOL”, laughed Joe Asberry.

One of the big winners for Germany and the tournament was Alan Ibrahimagic who went from assistant coach to Euro head coach winner. Even if he allowed a winning combination bunch of guys play their game, he still had to make key decisions on the sideline.

Salute to Coach Alan. It´s not easy to deal with basketball stars, and their ego´s so to get them all on the same page, is the sign of a Great Coach”, commented Joe Asberry.

There were some nice plays in the final like Isaac Bonga´s dunk or Franz Wagner´s mega block. It was no surprise to me what Joe Asberry´s favorite play was.

“My favorite play was Dennis Schroeders Dagger Middy. I made a living off of Dunks and Middy´s so I was thrilled, watching that sweet jay, splash through the net”, said Joe Asberry.

“Can one compare Germany´s success now with Spain from 2006-2011 where it won a World Cup and 2 Euro championships. Does Germany have a dynasty?

“German Basketball is HOT! If they beat the Americans and win a Gold Medal in the Olympics, I`ll cry and Dive head first into the Rhine River, please, Pray for me Miles LOL”, stressed Joe Asberry. I definitely will pray for you, but I wouldn´t mind seeing you jump into the Rhine River. It definitely is cleaner than 30 years ago.

Will the dynasty go on. The future still looks good with a nucleus of the Wagner brothers, Tristan Da Silva, Andi Obst, Isaac Bonga and Isaiah Hartenstein plus the new wave of guys like Ivan Kharchenkov, Hannes Steinbach, Johan Grunloh, Christian Anderson and others. Does Germany have the mentality to keep it going with the new wave of players that you have seen the last years?

Germany has the chance to keep getting better, if the young guys continue to put in the Work”, warned Joe Asberry.

You coach young men and are right there seeing the work and effort. Often now adays the talk is young players aren´t as hungry as back in the day. In other words players today aren´t challenged enough with too many outside influences. What makes young German players different than young players from other countries in this generation? Does the typical German discipline play a role?

“I think the biggest challenge for young German players is Gym time. If a Club doesn´t have constant access to the Gym, then the players will spend way too much time, playing with their phones, instead of Hooping. I can´t speak for other country´s but I know for a fact, American players have access to a Gym,24/7 All of my guys who are Coaches and Trainers stateside, hold all of their players accountable, if they don´t LISTEN, they get CUT”, warned Joe Asberrys.

Is there perhaps a different mentality in Germany? USA always have talented young kids, but how do you see the general mentality and hunger of young American players in 2025?

“The Mentality of American players is different a lot of times, because of the Conditions. That dawg Mentality comes from not having anything, and you want something out of your life, so Basketball becomes the ticket, to have a better life. That´s not something you can Coach. That gives players a slight advantage for sure. On the other hand, kids growing up here in Germany also have an advantage. They can focus on hoops, without a lot of the extra shenanigens in their neighborhoods. It´s just different”, warned Joe Asberry.

So does this Euro title scare team USA? I guess the big showdown will be in 2027 at the Olympics. Germany will be looking to win, but USA will have different players than at the 2024 Olympics. Will Team USA win their next Gold medal?

I´m sure that Team USA will win Gold Again. There are just too many Elite athletes,

with size, incredible skillsets, dawgs, I could go on and on. Then again, I`m a Proud American, who balled in the Michael Jordan era, if Team USA loses, they should all be cut from their teams, and have to start their Career´s over in Helsinki Finland, so they can learn to appreciate NBA Basketball. Shout out to Helsinki though, I loved it,but then again, I`m a Pro Hoop Misfit, who´s claim to fame, is DUNKS, and saving kids LIVES! LOL! I appreciate you Miles”, stressed Joe Asberry. Well I´m sure Finland would love to have some NBA stars in Finland, but honestly the Olympics is USA´s cup of tea. They won´t allow Germany to spoil their party.

Versatile David Ejah(PS Karlsruhe) Has Been Fortunate Having Had Coaches Put Him Into Different Scenario´s That Has Allowed Him To Become A Great Rebounder

David Ejah (201-F-2000, college: Indianapolis, agency: Players Group) is a 24 year old 201cm forward from Indiana playing his second professional season and first in Germany with Pro A team PS Karlsruhe. He played his rookie season with KK Radnicki Gorazde (Bosnia-Division I) averaging 16.6ppg, Reb-2 (11.2rpg), 1.6apg, 1.3spg, Blocks-3 (1.2bpg), FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 71.0%. He began his basketball career at Carroll High School and then played 3 seasons at the University of Saint Francis (IN) (NAIA) averaging 15.0ppg, 9.0rpg, 1.8apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 49.7%, 3PT: 31.4%, FT: 66.1% and 19.9ppg, 9.2rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 53.7%, 3PT: 41.2%, FT: 76.4% in his last 2 seasons. He then finished at the University of Indianapolis (NCAA2) averaging 4.0ppg, 2.6rpg and 8.7ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.4apg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 80.3%. He spoke to eurobasket about basketball.

Thanks David for talking to eurobasket.com. Congrats on signing with PS Karlsruhe. How blessed do you feel being able to continue to play the game you love for a living?

Thank you and I am truly blessed to be able to continue to play the game I love for a living. It’s a testament to how when you put your full trust in God and the plan he has for you, things will workout in your favor. So, I give him all the Glory for all of this.

Especially not many former NAIA players get to overseas. What do you believe has been your secret to being able to continue to climb the basketball ladder?

The secret I would say is allowing God to work by fully trusting in him and also working hard and being consistent in everything I do.

What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball? Have you had any former teammates or friends or opponents play in Germany?

I’ve heard good things about Germany so far, they are people friendly, and the Basketball is great there. I’ve had a teammate from college (Julian Steinfield) who was born and raised in Germany and friend I played against in college (Trevion Crews) played there his first year.

What was the deciding moment that chose you to pick PS Karlsruhe as your next team?

The deciding moment was just kind of seeing how great of an opportunity it was for me to play in a league like this to help boost my career. Also, with the addition of a Coach in Coach Greene who recently came from Bayern Munich, it felt like a perfect opportunity to be able to learn and grow as a professional under him.

How did the talks go with head coach Demond Greene? Did you know that he grew up playing basketball with Dirk Nowitzki and both won the silber at the 2005 Euro?

The talks with Coach Greene went great, I had no idea he grew up playing ball with Dirk and also winning a championship. Our conversation was more of the basics in getting to know each other and how I would be used within the team in helping them win a championship. I’m sure over the next few weeks we will talk more and build that relationship.

What did you appreciate right away about the basketball philosophy of Demond Greene?

I really appreciated how he understood the type of game I bring and how he explained to me how he would be able to use me to the best of my abilities. I could tell he had a vision and my game fit that, so I appreciated that.

You had an incredible rookie season in Bosnia. How confident are you that you will be able to make an impact in the Pro A in Germany?

I am very confident I can carry that over to this league, this league fits my athleticism and what I can do so I believe I can excel and make an impact when my name is called.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 201 cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would it be?

Realistically I would compare my game to a more offensive Draymond Green who has athleticism, I am capable of guarding 1-5 if necessary and I can cause a lot of mismatches.

Is it fair to say that versatility could be your middle name? You already were versatile in the NAIA. How have you seen the development of your versatility in the last few years?

Most definitely, I pride myself on being able to be versatile and guard all positions. I still have room to grow, but coaches having to put me in different scenarios over the past few years has really helped me grow in that area.

You’re an amazing rebounder. What do you believe stands out in your rebounding game from others?

I believe the thing that stands out is that you can tell that I really enjoy rebounding, I made my 7th grade basketball team off rebounding alone because that is all I knew how to do at the time, so yea I pride myself on grabbing rebounds every game.

Your three pointer is still a work in progress. Last season in Bosnia you had a 1/10 game and also a 5/7game from down town. What do you have to do to get more stability into your 3 point shooting?

The thing I need to do is to continue to rep it out and find minor things that I can improve on to continue to make my shot consistent. I have had a few seasons where I’ve shot 40% in college so I believe I can get back to those numbers by always being intentional on it whenever I am in the gym.

You’re a very good defender. Talk a little about your defensive game. To what heights do you still want to bring your defensive game to?

My defensive game is predicated off just making sure I always have my motor on, when I play hard good things happen, especially on the defensive end. The heights I would like to take my defensive game to would be to being a consistent 2-way player.

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

Areas that I am working on most at the moment is my shooting, ball-handling, and getting stronger.

You played your rookie season with KK Radnicki Gorazde (Bosnia-Division I) averaging 16.6ppg, Reb-2 (11.2rpg), 1.6apg, 1.3spg, Blocks-3 (1.2bpg), FGP: 53.8%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 71.0%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

My wake-up call was Christmas Day when we had practice, I think on my way to practice was when it really hit me because all my family was back home spending Christmas together and I was getting ready to practice like any other day. That was difficult at the time.

You had many great games as a rookie, but how special was your 22/22 game in the win over Orlovik? It isn´t usual to have over 20 rebounds.

That game was special for me because it just basically reassured me that I belonged as a Professional Basketball player.

You played 3 seasons at University of Saint Francis (IN) (NAIA) and made huge strides in your last 2 years averaging 17/9. How did your game grow in your last 2 years under Chad LaCross?

My game grew a lot under Coach LaCross in my last 2 years because he basically let me be me. He let me figure things out and make mistakes while still trusting me.

You reached the NAIA Final 4 in 2021. You had an exciting 69-67 win over Stillman? What was so special in that run?

The thing that was so special to me was how my teammate Antwaan Cushinburry was able to will us to the final 4, I was still figuring things out as a player so I had some inconsistencies during that run individually but watching the work he put in on a day to day basis showed me what it would take to do what he did during that run.

You had an incredible 44 /16 game against Great Lakes going 18/21. What memories do you have of that game? How quickly did you know that you would have a great shooting game?

Memories I had from that game was just how focused I was; we were a highly ranked team at the moment so every team we faced really prepared for us. So, it was my job to be focused heading into that game and helping us win a close one. I knew I would have a good shooting game pretty quickly because I came out very aggressive.

You then played 2 seasons with the University of Indianapolis (NCAA2) averaging 4.0ppg, 2.6rpg and 8.7ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.4apg, 1.4bpg, FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 80.3%. You had many great games including 21 points in a win over William Jewell. What was your fondest moment there?

My fondest moment there was really just being able to play around other talented players and star in a specific role. It was definitely a challenge my first season there, but I knew it would prepare me for the Professional game so just being able to figure that out my second year was a special thing for me.

How did head coach Paul Corsaro give you that last push to prepare you for a pro career?

Coach Corsaro was able to give me that last push by not promising me anything and making me earn everything at Uindy, I really feel like him doing this really helped me grow as a person and player which also made me ready to start my pro career.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Kendrick Tchoua?

I would have to give it to my guy Kendrick, a true definition of a Paint Beast. It was definitely good battles though, made him earn it.

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

I would have to say Keion Brooks; we played each other multiple times in high school.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Antwaan Cushinberry, Arius Jones, Dan Mckeeman, Jarvis Walker, Jesse Bingham

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore

LeBron James, Micheal Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Shaq

Who is your GOAT?

I have to go Lebron James, we will never see another like him.

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

No I did not watch it, but I will say they should have left it alone. Some movies aren’t meant to be replicated and Coming to America is one of them.

Thanks David for the chat.

Josef Dulibic(Berlin Dreams) Sees Germany Competing For Medals For The Next 10 Years

pic credit: FIBA

Josef Dulibic is in his third season as head coach of the NBBL team Berlin Dreams. Prior he was active with Alba Berlin winning the 2018 NBBL title with Franz Wagner and in 2023 won the JBBL title with Mathieu Grujicic. He was 13 years active in the organization as coach with Croatian top team Cibona Zagreb. He spoke to germanhoops.com about the success of German basketball.

Thanks Josef for talking to germanhoops.com Germany is Euro Champion 2025. What kind of a feeling does this give you involved with German basketball?

I´m very proud of the success of German basketball. Being able to say that Germany is now always a contender is crazy. Basketball is a global sport that has so many countries that have great basketball. Germany has shown that it simply has a high quality of players. One now can always say we are contending for a title. Only some years ago, it would have been crazy to say that.

Is it crazy to have predicted a Gold medal before the tournament started? If you had to guess how many German basketball fans out of 10 would have predicted the Gold before the tournament how many would it have been under your estimation?

It would be less than what the experts would have predicted. I think people generally don´t know really how good basketball is in Germany. But with this Euro win, there are of course more people that now understand how good basketball really is in Germany.

It was the 2 best teams in the tournament with Germany and Turkey at 8-0. Was this the top final compared to the 1993 final vs Russia and 2023 final vs Serbia?

The Euro title in 1993 was a sensation and surprise. I remember it well. I was only 13 years old and was in Munich. In those days you had a certain amount of countries form the Balkan region that played for medals. Those were boring times with less competition. One can compare the last 2 wins easier. I think that this title was more difficult. There was less pressure with the World Cup 2 years ago. This time the expectations were a lot bigger.

How did you experience the final. The game was a real dog fight with Turkey leading by as much as 11 points and being very strong. What got Germany the Gold medal after 40 minutes.

The difference was simple in that Germany had more depth. The intensity and physicality in the game was very high. It didn´t help Turkey´s chances that a Osman or Larkin had to play so many minutes. Germany had fresher guys from the bench and more players carrying them. Every German player had a good phase during the game. There simply came more as a team from Germany than Turkey.

There has always been talk about the intense mentality, great team character and togetherness of Germany the last years. How does one keep developing it and not losing it over time?

Firstly it really helps when a team has success. This way it is easier to have a cult. It helps that the majority of the guys are close in age. It is never generally good when you have much young and old in a team. The German players were all on the same wave length. All know each other and like each other. That is always a big help.

There was a time in the 80s and 90s where you said in German football and after 90 minutes Germany always wins. I feel like there is this mentality now in German basketball. I was never fearing a loss in the fourth quarter even when Turkey was up by 6 points.

I really had the feeling when Turkey was up by 6 points that at that point that was it for them. I really didn´t see them having anything more to give. I was writing back and forth with Konstantin Lwowsky during that phase. I felt like we had more reserves and more weapons coming from the bench. I think now you can say that in the end Germany always wins. They are deep and each player has their own identity. The team is simply unpredicatable

How valuable was Franz Wagner for this tournament. How is he a better player now than in 2023 despite 2 years of more experience?

The biggest change is that he grew into his body. I think he is a stronger player and at the peak of his qualities. His body helps suit the quick game of Germany. The guy is almost 210cm and handles the ball well. Coupled with his athleticism, he can dominate the game. He has a great IQ and made another jump in his game. He is consistent now and has no bad games. He simply plays at a very high level now.

Isaac Bonga continues to grow as a player since coming back from the NBA? Shouldn´t a tournament like this and especially how his game has developed the last 3 years give him another NBA opportunity?

Bonga plays very well and from what I have heard, there is NBA interest there. Bonga went to the NBA very young and his game has grown since he came back the last 3 years. He has a decent shot now. He is more than a 3 and D player now, but more of a specialist. The question is always is the NBA really a good thing? He showed the last few years that he could play well at the Euroleague level. In the NBA teams often play with a 8-9 rotation. There simply isn´t enough room for all players. Players want to play and not sit on the bench.

You either like or dislike Dennis Schroder (185-PG-1993), but he came up big in the second half after being closed down well in the first half. How do explain his unbelievable ability to be able to turn around the lever and play like a winner when his team needs it most?

Turkey was well prepared for him. He did a great job in the second half. He got more space and was able to produce with scoring. The problem is that nobody really knows him except his teammates. His teammates in the German national team have always stuck behind him. There is a blind understanding between them. He likes leading the team. The problem in the NBA was that he always played with more known players than him. He has so many more duties in the national team and he likes that.

I have never understood that despite showing the last years what an incredible leader he is for Germany, he gets overlooked by NBA teams and has been a journeyman? Do NBA bosses have the wrong perception of him?

The competition is highest at the guard position in the NBA. It is very tough to make it. Juan Carlos Navarro was a top player in Europe and came back after 2 years in the NBA. Anything besides being a role player is difficult. Dennis just isn´t at the level of the top players. He is 1 in many.

Dirk Nowitzki has been the GOAT of German basketball for more than 15 years. With the World and Euro won, Is Dennis Schroder at Nowitzki´s level in terms of being in the same category as him?

I wouldn´t compare 2 great players. I feel like both had different situations. Back when Dirk was playing, he had to carry the team more than a Schroeder. Dirk had to do it all and made his teammates better. The teams with Dirk also weren´t as good as this one. Dennis is full of great players. He is a clutch player.

One of the big winners is your colleague Alan Ibrahimagic went from assistant coach to Euro head coach winner. How valuable was his input? What do you believe could he still give a team that already had all the pieces of being a winning team?

I wasn´t there to see all the dynamics. Alex Mumbru had a plan and that was followed by the team. Alan always said that he didn´t take the role of Mumbru. Alan was on the side lines and had to make the right decisions. Sometimes things can go wrong when the head coach isn´t there. But Alan did everything right. He was calm and cool and never panicked. He did a great job. He let the team play and I never once saw him be nervous. He did his job perfect.

There were some nice plays in the final like Isaac Bonga´s dunk or Franz Wagner´s mega block. What was your favorite play of the final?

I loved that difficult lay in by Dennis Schroder in crunch time that he laid in high off the glass. There was so good help and he still made it was incredible. That was such a tough shot to make.

Can one compare Germany´s success now with Spain from 2006-2011 where it won a World Cup and 2 Euro championships. Does Germany have a dynasty?

Yes you could make that comparison. If one followed the youth development in Germany the last years, one could have had a feeling that success would come for the men´s national team, but never to this large extent. One could have thought that success may go away in Spain after the Gasol brothers retired. Now Germany have to continue to be hungry and take advantage of the current success. I feel like Germany could be playing for a medal in the next 10 years.

This dynasty should go on. The future still looks good with a nucleus of the Wagner brothers, Tristan Da Silva, Andi Obst, Isaac Bonga and Isaiah Hartenstein plus the new wave of guys like Ivan Kharchenkov, Hannes Steinbach, Matthieu Grujicic, Johan Grunloh, Christian Anderson and others. Does Germany have the mentality to keep it going with the new wave of players that you have seen the last years?

These are all great players. The question now is can the young players make the next step from youth to men´s basketball? You never know what direction a player will go in in their development. Some guys don´t make it. One good example is Luc Von Slooten. The hype was big, but he only became a solid BBL player. Tristan Da Silva is also a good example. I wouldn´t have expected him to make such big steps after I saw him in the NBBL, but he did. You never really know who will make it. The coaches of the players always see the best case scenario. I think it is important that these young talented players now take that mentality from the men´s team. There has been criticism of the Nil, but I see it as positive for the players. In the BBL it is tough to get minutes, but these guys will get good minutes in the NCAA.

You coach young men and are right there seeing the work and effort. Often now adays the talk is young players aren´t as hungry as back in the day. In other words players today aren´t challenged enough with too many outside influences. What makes young German players different than young players from other countries in this generation?

I really don´t see it so different. Things have changed in the last 20 years. You will have positives and negatives then and now. Now you can take your phone and see Kyrie dribble within 5 seconds. 20 years ago that wouldn´t have been possible. Then you would have had to inspire yourself in other means. Go out and practice shots, but it isn´t different now. The training is great with Alba Berlin. Guys aren´t doing less now. Guys know that everywhere in the world are talented kids training to get better. Players know today just like 20 years ago the more you work hard, the better chance you will have to make it.

Thanks Josef for the chat.

Robert Allen (Reale Mutua Basket Torino) Took The Words Show Them What You Want To Be Known For And Ran With It

Robert Allen (206-F-2000, college: N.Texas, agency: Elevate Sports Alliance) is a 25 year old 206cm forward from Orlando, Florida playing his second professional season and first with Reale Mutua Basket Torino (Italy-Serie A2). Last season he played his rookie season with Unger Steel Gunners Oberwart (Austria-BSL) averaging (21.3), RPG-1 (11.2), 2.1apg, SPG-5 (1.7), FGP: 55.0%, 3PT-2 (41.6%), FT: 72.2%. He began his basketball career at Edgewater high school and then played 2 seasons at Samford University (NCAA) averaging 9.9ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 27.7%, FT: 65.5% and 14.1ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 48.4%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT: 65.0%. He then played 3 seasons at the The University of Mississippi (NCAA) and then latched on a season at the University of North Texas (NCAA) averaging 7.7ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 55.9%, FT: 66.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Robert for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season with Reale Mutua Basket Torino (Italy-Serie A2) and your second overseas. What kind of an experience has Italy been for you?
Italy has been an amazing experience so far. The city as well as Italy as a whole is such a beautiful place. My team has been more than welcoming since my arrival. There are always things that you have to adjust to when you are an American coming into a new country and a player coming from a new team but that is something that comes with life and is very normal. It’s a totally different environment from Oberwart, and it’s truly everything I prayed for. I have been enjoying my stay here so far and have been able to explore the city a little

How blessed are you to be living in a city like Torino. Is a big culture shock to Orlando where you come from?
I am more than blessed for the opportunity to live in Torino. God has placed me in a city that has so much history behind it as well as its city like but not too crowded in a sense. There are a number of things that are different between Orlando and Torino but nothing that is a true culture shock. Mostly because Europe as a whole is different from Orlando. If I had to pick anything I would say their rules and roads when it comes to driving a car has been a little difficult but I am getting the hang of it.

You had a great rookie season in Austria and now are playing in one if not the top second league in Europe. How confident are you that your game can translate to the A-2 league?
I am highly confident that my skills will be able to translate in this highly ranked league. I believe I was placed here by God and If he made this one of my stops on this journey then I am meant to be here. I work hard, I love learning the game and I push myself to the max and that helps me to keep elevating my game. Lastly, I play with fire in me and a drive like no other and I think that separates me from others.

Your teammates with skilled American Macio Teague. What has it been like being his teammate? Could you 2 guys be that 1-2 punch that will carry the team to success?

Macio is a great player and an even better teammate, it has been great playing with someone who works as hard or even harder than me. On the court we need everyone in order to do big things in this league, that’s why basketball is a team sport. I can say that our present will be impactful to our team’s success.

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 206cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?
I do not really watch the NBA so I do not have a comparison for you.

You’re a guy that can fill the stat sheet well. Have you always had that versatility in you or was that developed at the many NCAA schools that you played at?

I think it was always in me but it took me time to truly embrace it. There are often times coaches will put you in a box and only pull your strongest ability out of you that will help the team win. Throughout my college career that was the case but it was a blessing in disguise. Everyone wants to score the ball but it showed me there are other important things that impact winning other than putting the ball in the basket. It allowed me to strengthen my abilities in those categories. Which now has led to be me being like you said a person who can fill a stat sheet

You shot a lot of three’s at Samford, but then little at Ole Miss and N Texas and then a lot in Austria again. Was it tough not shooting many three’s for some years and then doing it again last season? How would you describe the development of your outside shot?

It was a hard transition for me. Going from a coach who wanted me to shoot at Samford to coaches who did not want me to shoot at Ole Miss and north Texas. It can be a tough mental battle when you know you can do something on the court but you’re being held back by your coach. Most coaches would label it as the way they created their teams. Therefore, they had players who were better three point shooters than me, which was true. At the time it wasn’t my strongest ability but it could be done. I let that motivate me honestly to keep working everyday on my own time. Just because I was not using my shot at the time, I knew it was a skill I could add to my game to make me a better player. Before I left for Austria a Vet pro player told me ‘ this is your chance to reinvent yourself, they don’t care what you did in college, that is what got you there. Go out there and show them what you want to be known for’. I took those words and ran with it, it was my chance to break out of the box. I kept working on my shot and different aspects of my game on my own time and when it was my time to shine. I didn’t hold back

Talk a little about the development of your defensive game. How would you describe your game now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become?

Defense was different from offense for me. It was something that came to me naturally. Being able to read the plays and understand how to defend the basket was naturally easier for me to understand. Un-like offense, I had to work day and night to get where I am now. I know that I am a good defender but there is always room for improvement. I want to become an ELITE defender, one who can do any coverage no matter the team or level of competition. A player who can defend all positions making more of a valuable and versatile player

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

I work on all parts of my game because I want to become an all around player, that is what is going to allow me to stand out and continue to elevate in my career. If I had to pick a few, it would be finishing around the basket. My wide post game and my shot 2s and 3s. As well as reading the court better on defense.

Last season you played your rookie season with the Unger Steel Gunners Oberwart (Austria-BSL) averaging (21.3), RPG-1 (11.2), 2.1apg, SPG-5 (1.7), FGP: 55.0%, 3PT-2 (41.6%), FT: 72.2%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

I don’t know if I understand your question exactly but i will answer it to the best of my ability.
I do not think there was ever just a wake up call when I was a rookie that was like wow I’m far from home. When I got on that plane and left America I knew what I was coming to Austria to do. I understood and accepted all the sacrifices that came with the Job. My goals were already set and the fight began on the first day of practice. Now did I know I was going to play as well as I did NO but everyday I woke up I prayed to God for strength in order to keep chasing my vision he places on my heart.

You won the double in Austria and beat BBC Nord in the final. What was so special about this team last season?

I think we were just all focused on the same goal and that is what made us different from everyone else. No matter what was going on we all knew we wanted to win the championship. That was going to be the only way the season ended. It was a long season for sure and we did not want to waste any time at all. Therefore we all knew that in order to get as much rest and end the season the right way we had to win every series 3-0 and that’s what we did.

How special was teammate Quincy Diggs for you? That guy has it seen it all. Was he like a mentor for you?

Quincy is such a cool dude man, his presence on that team was a game changer, he is the type of dude that brings a team together and that is exactly what he did for us. When we needed it the most.

You began your NCAA career at Samford (NCAA) in 2018 and played 2 seasons averaging 9.9ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 27.7%, FT: 65.5% and 14.1ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 48.4%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT: 65.0%. How valuable were these 2 seasons in your basketball development? How did your game grow there?

Honestly I feel like those seasons were more valuable mentally for me than it was to my game itself. It was like a wake up call , when I actually believed that I could play pro if I took basketball seriously. Those seasons ignited the first step of me truly believing in my basketball abilities. During my time at Samford I was just having fun with life. I was grateful to get out of Orlando and had the opportunity for basketball to be a way for me to get my college paid for.

You had many great games at Samford like scoring 23 points against VMI. What was your fondest moment at Samford?

My fondest moments at Samford weren’t even on the court. It was the time I got to spend with my teammates. Our team was like a family, we did everything together. That was the first time I really experienced something like that. Therefore just being able to play with them and enjoy the entire journey was my fondest moment. From the long bus rides to the hard losses. I enjoyed every second of it.

You then played at the University of Mississippi (NCAA) from 2020-2023 reaching the NIT Sweet 16. How tough was it going from playing a lot at Samford to having a lesser role? What did you learn from this experience?
It was a big challenge for me. I didn’t really understand the overall thought process of basketball because before I was just playing for fun and free education. It took me some time to understand everything but I was not going to give up. I found a way to get on the court my first year at Ole Miss and started playing more. My mind set at the time was to make sure I was prepared because my time was going to come and I knew I was going to be ready for it and did. My second year I was understanding it a lot more than my first year at Ole Miss. When I felt like I had finally got the ins and outs of the system I got injured. I tore my acl mcl and post lateral corner. Therefore throughout my years at Ole miss iIwent through a lot but I’m grateful for every step of the way. It made me who I am now. Throughout that journey I learned who Robert Allen really is and who he wants to be in life. I learned the amount of sacrifice it will take to fulfill the dreams I desire. I learned how to listen to my body more. Lastly for me that was the beginning of my rebuilding my relationship with God.


You then finished at the University of North Texas (NCAA) averaging 7.7ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 55.9%, FT: 66.3%. You reached the NIT Sweet 16. What memories do you have of that run? You scored 13 points against Tulane.

Not much at all for real, I just remember that my college career was coming to an end and I was going to play as hard as I could these last few games

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Moullaye Sissoko

Of course I did lol

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

I can’t remember

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Thats a hard question but Josh Sharkey ( samford) Anferene Simons ( Edgewater high school ) Matthew Murrel ( Ole Miss) Tye Fagan ( Ole Miss) Ziggy Reid ( Gunners)

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore (5 best players ever)?

Michael Jordan , Steph ‘Curry, Lebron , Dennis Rodman , Giannis

Who is your GOAT?

Giannis

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

I did not see it.

Thanks Robert for the chat.

Antonio Bivins(Racing Luxemburg) Has Carved Out A Fine Overseas Career In Luxemburg And Has A Chip On His Shoulder As His Dad Taught Him To Play Hard And The Right Way

Antonio Bivins (199-F-1992, college: UMass Lowell) is a 33 year old 199cm forward from Florida playing his 10th professional season and second with Racing Luxemburg. Last season he averaged 25.6ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.7apg, SPG-3 (2.5), FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 26.8%, FT: 67.8%. He has played most of his career in Luxemburg amassing 7 seasons there. But he also played in countries like Finland, Columbia, Bolivia and Uruguay. He began his basketball career at American high school and then played at UMass-Lowell from 2010-2014. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a test game against the Dragons Rhondorf.

Thanks Antonio for talking togermanhoops.com. Your playing a test game in Germany. You played most of your career in Luxemburg. Why didn´t you ever land in Germany and play for a team?

To be completely honest I’m not sure why I never played in Germany. I’ve played a few different German teams in different preseasons while being here in Luxembourg and competing against those guys has always been fun, but I guess I never just got the right opportunity to land a contract.

Your in your 11th season as a professional overseas. You have played in South American and Finland as well. What do you enjoy most about the basketball globetrotter life?

Traveling the world and seeing many different cultures has been a fun experience I enjoy most trying the different cultural food and comparing to the food that I’m used to and also to the other countries I’ve played in.

You have been a walking bucket your whole life. Do you have a chip on your shoulder? You could surely play at higher levels than where you have been?

I’ve always played with a chip on my shoulder just something my dad instilled in me just playing hard and trying to play the right way. I’ve never really had the opportunity to go other places I am super grateful though for all of my opportunities up until this point.

You have had countless 20, 30 and 40 point games as pro. You once had a 52/24 game in Luxemburg. What do you remember from that game? Do you have a video of that game?

That 52/24 was amazing! I truly just remember being in a great zone mentally and everything was just moving in slow motion and of course I was making almost every shot I took that night! Unfortunately I do not have any film from that game but it will always be a great memory for me.

Your 33 years old. How good do you feel? Could you be a guy playing until your 40?

My body feels great honestly I have to stretch and warm up longer than usual but once I get the body warm I feel amazing. I don’t see myself playing until 40 I truly believe my body would shut down before then that would be entirely too much basketball I believe.

You have played most of your overseas career in Luxemburg. What do you enjoy most about the lifestyle?

I love the culture here in Luxembourg and the people have always been welcoming and it’s more Americanized than most people think. I’ve also started a family here so of course I love that the most!

Your playing your second season with Racing Luxemburg. What kind of an experience has it been playing for this organization?

Playing for Racing has been amazing up until now. From top to bottom from coaches, owners, and fans! They’ve been welcoming to and my family from day 1 and I will forever love them for that!

Last season you helped the club move back to the first league. What was so special about this team?

Yes last season we were able to achieve our team goal and reach promotion, we had a great group of guys and great coaches who pushed us everyday in practice and held us accountable. Our captain Max came in from the first practice and was our leader.

You played 2 seasons with Union Atletica Montevideo (Uruguay-Metropolitan) What kind of an experience was playing and living in Uruguay? What was your coolest experience off the court?

Playing in Uruguay for Union was amazing! The fans there welcomed and they love their basketball team. My favorite part about being in Uruguay playing for Union was living directly across the street from the beach and the food there was amazing!

You also played a season with Club Deportivo y Cultural La Salle de Tarija (Bolivia-Libobasquet) averaging 13.4ppg, 2.5rpg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 68.3%, 3FGP: 26.3%, FT: 52.6%. What was it like living in Bolivia? Did you ever visit La Paz and get infected by soccer?

Living in Bolivia was nice. But I never got a chance to fully embrace the culture there because I didn’t play there for a full season. I also wasn’t able to visit La Paz.

You also played a season with Kipina Aanekoski (Finland-1st Division) averaging 25.5 ppg 10.2rpg, 1.7apg, SPG-2 (4.0), 1.0bpg, FGP: 60.3%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 81.8%. Your game didn´t suffer despite Covid. Did all you do was focus on basketball?

Yes playing in Finland during the height of Covid made it super easy to just focus on basketball and my body!

You won 2 playoff series that season, but lost a tough 3 game series to Huima losing the last game 91-90. What memories do you have of that tough loss?

The only bad thing about that season was losing in the finals. All the games were played closed and to be honest that loss in the finals still sticks with me!!

You only played 4 games with Residence Walferdange (Luxembourg-Nationale 2) averaging 28.8ppg, 12.3rpg, 1.8apg, 4.0spg, 1.0bpg. What was it like being teammates with Marcus Neal? You were reunited with him again after playing with him with Kordall. Do you still have contact to him today?

I love Marcus Neal! He was like a big brother for me in Kordall and for Residence Walferdange. I still keep contact with him we speak practically everyday! Playing with him I learned so much about how to be a pro how to train and prepare for games.

You played your first 3 pro seasons with the Kordall Steelers (Luxembourg-Total League) averaging 27,0ppg and 10,0 rpg. Was this the best basketball that you played in your career?

Statistically I think that was the best basketball of my career, but my time in Uruguay I believe was my best basketball in my career!

How vital was German head coach Kevin Magdowski for you? He gave you your break in Luxemburg and then coached you again in Columbia.

Coach Kevin was a key part of me learning different ways to score the basketball. He put the ball in my hands from the first practice and always challenged me to do more on offense and defense. So much he asked me to go to Colombia with him. That being my first time in South America at that point him and I became closer there also because of our relationship in Luxembourg.

You played with Aguilas de Tunja (Colombia-Liga DirecTV) averaging 14.8ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.6apg, SPG-1 (2.7), FGP: 59.3%, 3PT: 16.3%, FT: 59.3%. What memories do you have of Columbia? Was that league the strongest that you played in in South America?

My memories of Colombia were amazing and the basketball was great the fans were amazing and the country has so many different beautiful cities! The strongest league I played in while in South America was the LUB in Uruguay.

What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?

My first memory being overseas was going to the gas station and pumping gas first and paying. Still to this day that blows my mind every single time!

You played at UMass Lowell from 2010-2014. You reached the Northwest tournament final in 2012. What memories do you have of that season?

I will forever LOVE Umass Lowell!

You had many great games at UMass including 25 and 24 point games against Maine. What was your fondest moment on the court there?

My fondest memory was my senior night my last two college points was a poster dunk in front of all of our fans and students thinking about it right now brings a smile to my face.

How did head coach Pat Duquette groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Duquette instilled a lot of good practice habits in me he taught me how to watch film and most of all he and his entire staff held me accountable for everything I did good and bad and I’ll forever be thankful for them for that.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Kerry Weldon?

I won every 1on1 against Kerry I can give you his number so you can ask him. I love Kerry though he’s still my best friend!

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

Toughest player I played against was Shabazz Napier at UConn

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Donald Robinson, Brendan Temple, Marlin Mason, Marcus Neal, Dj Foreman

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore (5 best players ever)?

LeBron James, MJ, Kobe, KD, Shaq

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron James

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

Yes I saw the sequel and I wholeheartedly agree they should’ve left it alone!

Thanks Antonio for the chat.

Quantzez Robertson Googled Slim Jesus Right Away And Will Never Forget Kimmo Muurinen´s No Legs Plea For Help

I always knew that my interview sessions would never end with Quantez Robertson (188-SG-1984, college: Auburn, agency: Interperformances)n even almost 2,5 years after he retired. It is 2025 and I´m still interviewing him. This is my 76th interview/article since his rookie season in 2009. My love for him and his game is still there. And why not there are always interesting basketball topics to talk about. However never in a million years did I ever think that I would be preparing a few questions about his ex teammate Kimmo Muurinen who was his teammate seemingly ages ago in 2010-2011. I mean Kimmo was a very skilled player, but Finnish and more taciturn. It would be more fitting and logical to talk about guys like Jordan Theodore, Mike Morrison or Gordie Herbert who he had more dealings with during his Skyliner years. Muurinen who remembers nailing 50 free throws in a row and having Jordan and Magic as his childhood idols was one of those players that wasn´t flashy, but did what ever the team needed to win and was a great shooter as he shot 44% from the parking lot in his only easyCredit BBL season with Frankfurt. He was the kind of player that didn´t shy away from pulling a Larry Bird on the court and concentrated more on rebounding and defense and didn´t have to score consistently. “I think a hidden strength in my game is my dirty work like diving for loose balls that doesn’t get noticed as much”, said Kimmo Muurinen in 2011. When I told Quantez Robterson about slim Jesus, the first answer was Huh? Then I explained to him that Miikka Muurinen was producing a massive splash at the 2025 Euro especially with the dunk that went viral against England and seemed to pop up on everyone´s phone from Helsinki to Sydney, Australia. Miikka was 3,5 years old when he arrived in Frankfurt with dad Kimmo in late summer of 2010. “I remember his little son. Man that makes me feel old. Time shows that everyone has been growing over the years and kids then are showing their talent as players now”, chuckled Quantez Robertsonn. Tez as everyone calls him also remembers a funny experience with Kimmo Muurinen during training camp in 2010. “I think we were in the Czech Republic. I remember he was playing defense and was so tired. Some guy made a move on him and Kimmo just fell to the ground. He just said oh no no more legs. Gordon Herbert and Klaus Perwas were laughing”, remembered Quantez Robertson.

Quantez Robertson at Halloween in USA

I felt it was time to catch up with Quantez Robertsonn again after last talking to him shortly before Christmas 2024 when he was celebrating his 40th birthday and went down memory lane once again with me. I reach Quantez Robertsonn on a Saturday night as all I hear around him are kids and noises. Tez apologies saying he is at a volley ball game of his daughter. The ex Auburn guard who was a freak athlete during his playing days retired in 2023 and like every other ex baller has gotten used to not playing anymore or has he? “I would like to say retirement has gotten easier, but it´s still tough. Believe me if I could, I would love to jump on the court right away again, but I did retire because of injury”, stressed Quantez Robertsonn. It is never easy for retired players to keep their shape that they had when they were professional athletes. Often they will gain weight while others will really ballon in weight like guys Like Shawn Kemp, Shaq and Magic Johnson have. Tez has had a hinderance with his foot. “I don´t have the weight that I had as a player. I had surgery on my foot and that kept me doing a lot of physical activity. My foot is healed. I do a lot with my kids”, said Quantez Robertsonn. The last time we checked in with him he was coaching basketball at Tennessee Valley Community Christian, but since then he has found a new job in life. “I have stepped away from teaching kids for the time being. If the opportunity ever presents itself again, I might do it again. At the moment, I´m a warehouse manager at Alabama A& M”, stated Quantez Robertsonn. Of course he is very active supporting his 2 kids with their sports. His daughter plays volleyball, softball and basketball while his son plays baseball and football.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Tez Robertson

No interview with Quantez Robertsonn can happen without Skyliner talk. Once again the Skyliners have reeled in many new faces for the 2025-2026 season, but one thing hasn´t changed. Klaus Perwas is still there and for the first time in his career the head coach from the start of a season. That has to be a good omen for the season. “Yes it is. He was always cool and focused as an assistant coach. Now as head coach, we can see how he does everything his way. His defensive principles were always the same as Gordie Herbert. Now we will see how his offense will work. He has always been known as a defensive coach, but now we will see how the Skyliners offense works”, commented Quantez Robertsonn. One thing that we will never know is how the Skyliners history would have evolved from 2019 until now had Perwas became head coach in 2019 after Herbert had left. “I think that Klaus would have been able to have kept the tradition of reaching the playoffs alive. I mean it is always tough with personal and injuries, but I feel the history would have been different”, expressed Quantez Robertsonn. Since Tez´s departure, the club is still looking for an identity figure. Maybe it could be Garai Zeeb, but Tez had one guy in mind who left after 2 seasons. “I think that David Muenkat would have been a good choice. He was a beast at both ends and had many dunks. He got big blocks and was able to get the fans to their feet”, remembered Quantez Robertsonn. So after playing 14 seasons with the Skyliners organization and having hundreds of teammates, with what guys did he have contact with just in the last week? “I talked with Mike Morrison, Jordan Theodore and Aaron Dornekamp”, smiled Quantez Robertsonn. It is only logical that a Fiba winning team from 2016 never loses contact.

Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Tez Robertson in Frankfurt in 2024

Another topic that I have to share with Tez is the current 2025 European championships where Germany is seemingly marching to their next medal. They won a hard fought quarterfinal game against Slovenia. Despite a 39/10 game by Luka Doncic, Germany prevailed with a strong last quarter after not playing particularly well in the first 30 minutes. To have your 2 best players with Dennis Schroeder and Franz Wagner combine for only 11/37 and still win with 8 points shows just how many other weapons Germany has. It is amazing how incredible Germany´s track record is in the last 3 years with a Bronze at the Euro, Gold at the World Cup and a fourth place finish at the Olympics. “Germany has so much talent now with all their NBA and Euroleague players. They have so much experience. They are so tough now. Before this success, they didn´t get their top guys, now they have all their best players. They are able to show their real talent now”, warned Quantez Robertsonn. In German basketball one talks about guys like Detlef Schrempf, and Dirk Nowitzki as people who were very important for the sport. But in the last years, one has to put a Gordon Herbert with these names. “Gordie changed the culture and showed how to win. He brought a different demeanor and coaching style. Players simply love to play for him. He gets the best out of every player”, stressed Quantez Robertsonn. Tez is really proud to have been teammates with current German national players Isaac Bonga and Leon Kratzer. Was he like a mentor for Bonga? “I was a mentor for all the young players in Frankfurt. I showed them the ropes and tricks on the court. I didn´t work privately with any one player. I taught Isaac defensive concepts and helped his mobility and control on defense”, stated Quantez Robertsonn. He played a few seasons with Bonga and then saw him move to the NBA and Euroleague. “My fondest moment with him was when he was drafted. I told him that I wanted some adidas socks”, said Quantez Robertsonn. He also witnessed Leon Kratzer on a daily basis for 2 seasons in Frankfurt. Kratzer´s rise from then on with Bonn and Paris has been amazing. “Leon made big steps each season. He left a big impression in Frankfurt even if he made small steps on offense. He was always a problem on defense. It wasn´t easy to score on him with his rebounding and shot blocking ability”, added Quantez Roberson. In the States, the only thing that really counts in the basketball world is the NBA and Olympics. In 2027, Germany will be strong with their core of veterans along with most likely Isaiah Hartenstein and many young guys. How does he see a USA-Germany match up then? “USA will be strong. I mean we won´t have Lebron, but we will have our best players. And we have a scary young group of guys coming up. USA will still beat Germany”, smiled Quantez Robertsonn. That is still 2 years away. Now all Germany is concerned about is beating Finland in the semi´s and winning the Gold. I´m sure Tez will have his fingers crossed for Germany this weekend.

Dyami Janeck Has A New Challenge With LWD Basket Leeuwarden And Wants To Get Comfortable In The Uncomfortable And Read The Game At The Next Level

pic credit: FIBA

Dyami Janeck (185-PG-2005) is a 19 year old 185cm guard playing his first season in Holland with Leeuwarden. He began his career with ROTH Energie Basketball-Akademie Giessen (NBBL) and then played the last 3 seasons with the Dragons Rhondorf NBBL and Pro B teams. He played a total of 27 Pro B games and last season averaged 3,5ppg. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Dyami for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on signing with Leeuwarden. It will be your first time playing in Holland. How big is your relation to Holland?


Thanks for having me! The Netherlands has been my second home country. My mother is Dutch and my brother and I have the Dutch Nationality as well since we were children. Furthermore the rest of my family lives in the Netherlands and I always visited them when I was young. Therefore it really feels like a second home in the Netherlands additionally to Germany.
Was going to college in the States ever an option for you? Why did you decide to go to Holland? It is obviously a big new challenge for you.

Firstly I just finished my school this summer, after that I had great tryout experiences and interest in Germany. Then my focus was on the Dutch U20 National Team, which I got selected again this year and after the Eurobasket in Armenia, BNXT clubs showed interest. So there was no time to think about college, but it is for sure in my mind and let’s see what the future brings. Now I feel myself on a really good journey here in Leeuwarden and I am thankful for this great new challenge.

How did you see your development with the Dragons in the last 2 years? Did you feel like you couldn’t do it as well as now with Leeuwarden?
At the Dragons I had a great developing time with the coach Stephan Dohrn. There were inspiring teammates, wonderful fans and good individual trainings by the Telekom Baskets Bonn. The last 4 months after Stephan Dohrn left, it was a bit more difficult for me, also due to the fact that I had an injury. Since 2022 I was at the TABU school in Bonn. They have a great support for athletes, which allowed me to have my focus completely on Basketball. This gave me the optimal possibility to finish my Abitur and have a strong basketball development with the Dragons the last two years. Now I know that Leeuwarden is the best place for me to make my next steps in my basketball career.

What were the main reasons for signing with Leeuwarden? The club was founded in 2004 and until now only reached the final in Holland once?
I am very much in the moment. With the coach Vincent Van Sliedregt, and with all the players, which I get to know now every day a little more, it feels really good for me to grow and develop here in Leeuwarden at the BNXT Level.

How did the talks go with head coach Vincent Van Sliedregt? What did you like about his basketball philosophy the most?
We had a very open and sympathetic exchange in which I could express my sport desires and goals. Now that we worked already some weeks together I can say that I really like his character and mindset.

You are playing in the first division called BNXT. This is levels above the Pro B. What kind of expectations do you have?
I want to improve every day, which means working hard and learning a lot in practice. This way the performance in the game will improve. Matching and surpassing the energy and physicality is the most important thing right now.

What is your goal with your game this season? On what areas do you want to make the next steps?
For sure the main area is shaping myself authentic as a Ball handler. I want to get comfortable in the uncomfortable and read the game on the next level.

You played 2 seasons with the Dragons Rhoendorf. What was your other nicest experience besides winning the Pro B title in 2024?
Winning the Pro B title in 2024 is an experience I will never forget. Besides that I really enjoyed playing for the fans and seeing them go crazy in a packed Dragon Dome. Interacting with the fans and seeing the happy faces from the kids when you high five them was for sure one of the nicest experiences in the two seasons for the Dragons.

Your minutes in the Pro B went from 4 to 10 in the last 2 seasons. How did your game grow?
I would say the key words are consistency and confidence. Knowing in what areas your strengths are and learning how to use them really helped me and this way I got more opportunities to play more minutes. I always kept working hard and the rest concerning minutes was not in my hands.

You always gave instant energy from the bench. Did you always have that high energy in your game or was that mostly developed in Rhoendorf?
That energy has always been a big part in my game due to the fact that I am a very energetic and motivated person. Basketball gives me the space to let this out.

You had many great teammates in Rhoendorf. Which player had the biggest impact on you in the last 2 seasons?
Kelvin Omojola. He was my Captain for the last 2 Seasons in Rhoendorf. He is a great leader but also having that matchup in practice really had a big impact on me. Every time when I had questions he didn’t hesitate to answer, I really learned a lot from him.

Last season you had 3 very good scoring games against the Lowen, Wurzburg and Speyer. What was your best Pro B game last season?
Every game gives me something to learn from. I just keep working. If I had to choose one of the three you mentioned it would be Speyer, because I really liked how I played Defense in that game.

Who wins a 1-1 in practice you or Janne Muller?
It has always been a pleasure to practice with Janne. But my main mindset is to bet on yourself.

You played at the U-20 European championships averaging 5.3ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 45.5%, 3PT: 30.0%, FT: 76.5%. What kind of an experience was this for you?

Last year in 2024 was my first experience at the Dutch U20 National Team, the long selection of 6 weeks and the whole European Championship made a big impression on me. This year at the European championship in 2025, I was grateful to have been selected again and could grow even more. Playing in a different environment like that really helps to improve, be more consistent and adapting yourself.

How is the state of Dutch basketball in general? How do you see the future?
I feel like the Dutch Basketball is improving every year and there is a lot of talent.
In addition the BNXT is a great League for all the people in this area to enjoy, emphasize and get a closer connection to Basketball.

What Dutch players are up and coming? Would you include the Slingerland brothers?

There are a lot of good Dutch players that are playing in college and other very respected leagues.
With Noah Slingerland I played two summers together at the National Team and he is a great person. I have a very good relationship with him and I enjoyed having him as my teammate a lot. Noah now plays in the BNXT League, but he also played a year for Oldenburg in Germany and his brother Yanu is at the moment in Ulm. I would for sure include the Slingerland brothers, both are great Players.

Who are your 4 best players of all-time in the NBA euroleague and from Germany?

NBA: Lebron James, MJ, Kobe Bryant, Shaq
Euroleague: Vassilis Spanoulis, Kostas Sloukas, Mike James, Luka Doncic
Germany: Dirk Nowitzki, Dennis Schroeder, Franz Wagner, Andi Obst

Who is your GOAT?

If it is between MJ and Lebron, I take Lebron. But personally Kyrie Irving is my favorite player.

Thanks Dyami for the chat.

Keith Hornsby Retired On Top After His ACB Season And Now Has A New Chaellenge With The Louisiana State University Coaching Staff

Keith Hornsby (193-SG-1992, college: LSU, agency: Octagon Europe) is a 33 year old 193cm guard from Virginia that decided to retire early in 2025 after celebrating a 8 year professional career with 5 overseas and 3 years in the G-League. He began his basketball career at Oak Hill Academy and then played 2 years at the University of North Carolina-Ashville (NCAA) and then finished at Louisiana State University (NCAA) averaging 13.4ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.1apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 44.9%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 78.4% and 13.1ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 56.8%, 3PT: 41.5%, FT: 81.8%. He began his professional career in 2016 with the Texas Legends (NBA G League) and played 116 G-League games in a 3 year span. He went overseas in 2019 playing with Polski Cukier Torun (Poland-EBL) averaging 15.1ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 55.0%, 3PT: 42.2%, FT: 75.7%. In 2020-2021, he played with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg (Germany-BBL) averaging 14.4ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.1apg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT-1 (50.9%), FT: 90.3%: In the 2021-2022 season he balled with 2: Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 11.7ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT-3 (47.8%), FT: 86.4%. In the 2022-2023 season he played with Nanterre 92 (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 14.0ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 45.0%, FT-8 (93.3%). In the 2023-2024, he split time with BC Rytas Vilnius (Lithuania-LKL) avergaing 8.0ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.6apg, 2FGP: 34.0%, 3FGP: 30.4%, FT: 89.3%,and played with Surne Bilbao Basket (Spain-ACB) averaging 10.4ppg, 1.6rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 93.1%.He spoke to germanhoops.com about his basketball career.

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

I’m currently in Baton Rouge, Louisiana working for the LSU’s men’s basketball program. I’m a graduate assistant, so I’m getting my feet wet starting out in the coaching profession. I’m thrilled to be back at my beloved alma mater. Geaux Tigers!

I interviewed you twice in your career. Once during your Oldenburg stay and then once about Lebron James. Did your 8 year career move in a flash?

A lot of people feel like their career flew by when viewing it in retrospect, however, I don’t agree. It feels like a long time ago when I suited up for Oldenburg, and at least a decade ago when I played for the Texas Legends as a first year pro. I’m fine with this. I never want time to fly by, and every pro year was fulfilling in different ways. Especially my time in Europe

After a great pro career overseas you have decided to join Louisiana State coaching staff. Is coaching something that you always wanted to do?

Coaching has always been something that was suggested for me to do if I wanted to. I love basketball, and in all honesty, it’s pretty much all I know. Over the years, I’ve established many relationships with current coaches (or old players who’ve become coaches), so I always assumed it’d be the easiest profession to transition in to as a retiree in the next stage of life.

Was it a no brainer to go back to the school where you played college basketball for the last 2 seasons of your NCAA career?

It was a no brainer if I had the opportunity, which initially wasn’t a guarantee when we decided to move back to Louisiana. My wife is from a city about an hour from Baton Rouge, so after years hopping around Europe country to country, I thought it was in our family’s best interest to go closer to her home. The fact I’ve ended up on the staff at LSU is part generous support for an ex-athlete, but also due to prior relationship establishment with the current coaches before we returned.

How thrilled are you to be learning from great coach Matt Mcmahon? He had a great career at Murray State and now is in his fourth year at LSU.

I’m a huge fan of Coach McMahon on and off the court. He’s my type of guy. I like the way he operates. He’s a relentlessly hard worker, but he also has consideration and respect for the life of a family man. I think he coaches with a great balance between discipline and encouragement/positive reinforcement while also staying consistent with his role as a teacher. He’s a coach I would’ve liked to play for if I was still playing.

What are your main goals as a coach in your first year besides winning? What kind of strengths do you feel will you be able to give the players?

Our main goal this year is simply to win in an incredibly talented SEC. Besides that, my ability to connect and relate to the players will be vital. Players always respect someone who has been through exactly that they’re experiencing whether that be good or bad. In my career, I experienced every situation from great to terrible. I learned from my mistakes along with my success. I’m also extremely focused on player development, so I want/need to make our guys better players overall. Besides this, my main goal is continue learning how to be a coach. Primarily off the floor (scouting, operations, recruiting, etc). Believe me, I have a LOT to learn.

You played your last pro game 15 months ago against FC Barcelona. Was it a tough step to make or were you 100% ready?

After that last game, I was in a bit of a gray area about whether or not I’d play again or not. However, my wife and family were done. They’d had enough and we already had our house ready in Baton Rouge waiting for them. I knew once they were there, they’d not be leaving again unless for a visit. I wasn’t sure initially if I could do a whole season primarily without them. This indecision cost me a re-signing with Bilbao. If it was a normal off season, I would’ve signed back immediately. I absolutely adore that club and everything about it. Eventually they had to move on in the market, which made sense. We eventually decided that I should keep playing, but try to go later on (maybe November or December). This was our plan until my wife got pregnant again in early September. This was a complete surprise (a nice surprise haha) but this put the nail in the coffin for my playing.

You were 32. That is a good age to retire, but could you have played longer or was your body starting to tell you it´s enough?

I could’ve played longer, but not much longer. I was starting to feel the aches and pains more and felt more and more reliant on painkillers, etc. The thought of playing a full, lengthy season again in the rigorous ACB along with FIBA Europe Cup was a bit daunting going in to that last indecisive offseason.

Was playing your in the ACB, the best league overseas with the Euroleague a good way to say good bye? You reached the highest level overseas.

I couldn’t agree more. Playing in the ACB was the best experience I had in Europe. I loved every bit of it. I’m very thankful I got a taste of it before I retired. It was a dream come true. However, it also made me feel a little funny about calling it quits after I had just averaged double figures in Europe’s best league. My competitive side was saying “what the heck are you doing, you’re still good!” This is something I’ll just have to live with. On the other side, it’s satisfying knowing I stopped while “on top” sort of. Even though I didn’t play well in the last game, I can always say my last game was against FC Barca and Ricky Rubio! Haha

After you played with Oldenburg where you were already shot out the lights, you continued to do it in France the next 2 seasons with Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 11.7ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 54.5%, 3PT-3 (47.8%), FT: 86.4% and with Nanterre 92 (France-Betclic ELITE ProA) averaging 14.0ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 45.0%, FT-8 (93.3%). Were these 2 years some of your if not best basketball of your career?

Those three years were definitely my best basketball. Oldenburg was my freakiest efficiency numbers, but I was blessed with incredible passers on that team to make a shooter’s dream come true (Phil Pressey, Braydon Hobbs, Rasid Mahalbasic). My most impressive year, however, was with Nanterre. Most of the shots I was shooting were infinitely more difficult, and to still walk away at 45% from three was a tremendous accomplishment. Unfortunately, I don’t think the market ever gave me the respect I deserved for those numbers. This is my opinion.

You were able to play for French coaching legend Vincent Collet. What do you remember him teaching you about the game that you got no where else?

It was an honor to play with Coach Collet. He had just come off the silver medal in Tokyo, so he was pretty much a celebrity during that season. He was also a coach you could approach to talk about the game with an open mind. He loved to do that with his players. That Metro team was the most talented team I played on in Europe. If not for injuries, I believe we would’ve fought for a French league championship, as we were first in the league standings most of the season and swept the euroleague clubs (4-0) in regular season. We also made it to the Elite 8 of Eurocup. If anything, coach Collet taught me valuable offensive sets that I’ll steal for future coaching situations as well lol. He was a high IQ coach. Some of his ATOs were genius, and I still have them memorized to inflict on unsuspecting opponents in the future.

You had some really good games in France against Le Mans and Limoges to name just a few, but what was your best game in France?

My best game in France was definitely at Limoges in Beaublanc. They always have a great crowd, so it’s an exciting atmosphere to witness on the road. Our Nanterre team was decimated by injury and had seven players. We ended up playing the game of our lives and winning in spectacular fashion. I had 33 points and played all forty minutes. If not for a merciful 2/3 zone call I might’ve not made it through. Me and my teammate Miralem Halilovic combined for 61 points if my memory stands correct.

The three pointer has become so valuable in the NBA. You had 2 very good years in the G-League with the Texas Legends and shot 49% from outside in your last season. Do you feel like maybe you were born 5 years to early and could have made the NBA maybe now?

I think no matter how well I shot in the G-League, I never would’ve gotten a chance in the league. I’m an undersized two guard who doesn’t handle the ball or defend well enough to automatically green light an NBA opportunity despite the efficient shooting. I was also getting older. You don’;t see too many 28 or 29 year olds get call ups in the league. I think the same issues hurt my chances at Euroleague. I played in every competition but Euroleague, and I think for similar reasons, this hurt my chances. If I was more of true combo guard, then maybe it would’ve helped my case.

You had so many great games in your career. What was your greatest game?

Two games come to mind. My 28 point outing vs. Bayern Munich with Oldenburg, and a 26 point outing vs. Monaco (Nanterre) are up there. These are individual performances. The Monaco shots I was hitting were ridiculous. They have one of the best shooting gyms ever! I was also sick, which makes it sort of a flu game.

Please name your 5 best teammates overseas?

Five best teammates from overseas! I’m going to name ten bc I loved so many of my teammates.

1. Chris Wright (Torun)

2. Aaron Cel (Torun)

3. Phil Pressey (Oldenburg)

4. Philip Schwethelm (Oldenburg)

5. Will Cummings (Metro)

6. Tomer Ginat (Metro)

7. Justin Bibbins (Nanterre)

8. Miralem Halilovic (Nanterre)

9. Margiris Normantas (Rytas)

10. Justin Gorham (Rytas)

Extra: I loved all my Bilbao teammates, but nobody stands out like the names listed above.

Thanks Keith for the chat,

Rookie Boston Stanton(TuS Red Devils Bramsche) Knows That To Be Able To Take The Next Step He Will Have To Think 2-3 Plays Ahead

Boston Stanton (196-G, college: Newman, agency: Origins Sports Group) is a 196cm guard from Denver, Colorado playing his rookie season overseas with TuS Red Devils Bramsche (Germany-Regionalliga). He began his basketball career with Denver East high school. He then played at Indiana Univ-Purdue Univ-Indianapolis (NCAA) from 2021-2023. He finished his college career with Newman University (NCAA2) averaging 6.6ppg, 3.2rpg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 83.7% and as a senior averaged 12.5ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 46.1%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 84.5%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

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

Right now I’m back home in Denver, Colorado, and basketball life is treating me amazing. I’m very blessed to have the opportunity to follow my dreams and see the world while playing the game I love.

You have a beautiful first name. How did your parents come up with that name?

Thank you! I am the Third, so I got my name from my father and his father. Beyond my grandfather I’m honestly not too sure where the name came from, but I am glad to have a unique name.

Congrats on signing with the TUS Red Devils Bramsche. How was the summer transfer period? Was it difficult getting offers overseas?

Thank you again. The summer period was honestly very quick for me. I attended the One Motive Sports camp in late April, and was in talks with the Red Devils not long after that. I am very blessed to have received the opportunity I did, because I know how difficult it can be trying to make it to the next level. Obviously I still had to work for it, but it definitely could have been far more difficult and I recognize that.

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

I don’t know too much about the country of Germany in general, but I do know that there is a terrific basketball culture there. I am looking forward to exploring and learning more about Germany and its culture, but I am also excited to see how the game of basketball is approached compared to here in the United States. This is a great opportunity for me to broaden my horizons both as a man, and as a basketball player.

Have you had any friends or opponents who have played in Germany over the years?

Yes, I’ve had some peers from Colorado that have played in Germany recently. Since I signed to the Red Devils I have been talking to them to get a better grasp on what to expect from my first time overseas. It has been a blessing to have a resource that I can learn from before I actually get out there myself.

You had a fine NCAA 2 career. Not many guys come from NCAA 2 play overseas. How blessed do you feel? Is it like a dream come true?

This definitely is a dream come true for me. I haven’t necessarily had the easiest path when it comes to basketball, and like you said, a lot of people don’t get to go play overseas when they travel the path I have taken. I am blessed beyond belief to have the opportunity to go and turn my dreams into reality, and be able to travel the world while I do so. I have wanted to play professional basketball since I was in elementary school, so it feels good being able to give my inner child something to be proud about.

How did the talks go with head coach Christian Fischer? What did you appreciate right way about his basketball philosophy?

The talks with Coach Fischer went very well. When I was talking to him I could immediately tell by his tone of voice how enthusiastic he is about this team, and how seriously he takes his job. One thing I appreciated about him as a person right away was his honesty. He didn’t mince words with me, and he told me exactly what was expected from me from the jump without sugarcoating anything. That is a quality I truly appreciate. One thing I appreciated about his basketball philosophy was the style of play he is bringing to the team. He wants us to defend our tails off, be tough, scrappy, physical, and use our defense to create offensive opportunities. Not only is that a fun brand of basketball to play, it is very similar to the brand of basketball we played this year at Newman, so it almost feels like a continuation of Coach Allen’s basketball philosophy.

With what kind of a mindset are you going into your overseas adventure? You will be playing in the 4th league called Regionalliga. Do you feel like you will be able to be an impact player? The American imports usually rock the league.

While I am very happy to have signed my first pro contract, I am still very aware that this is just the beginning, not the end. Just because I am now a professional doesn’t mean that it is time to let up off the gas. My mindset is to be the best me I can be, and to do everything in my power to get both myself and my team at least 1% better every day, no matter what. With this mindset and my love for the game, there is no doubt that I will be able to come in and make a positive impact on this team.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 196cm guard. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

If I had to compare my game to an NBA player, I would probably say Devin Booker just because of my ability to score at all 3 levels.

You’re a player that seems to be able to do a little bit of all. Talk about your biggest offensive Ssrengths?

Thank you. I would say my biggest offensive strength is actually my versatility. There were times earlier in my career that I would fall in love with the three point shot whether it was falling or not, which got me into some trouble. Now that I am more experienced and more developed as a player, I am much better at just taking what the defense is giving me. That way, if one aspect of my game isn’t working that day, I just focus on something else. If my shot isn’t falling, I can get into the paint and get an easy layup or get to the free throw line. If the other team has a big blocking shots, I can use my floater or my midrange. If I simply can’t score that game, I can focus more on playmaking and setting screens to get other people good looks.

Talk a little about the development of your three point shot. You shot a great 37% last season at Newman. Your self-confidence must be sky high at the moment?

Honestly, it all just comes down to getting game speed reps and shooting while you’re tired. These past couple summers I have spent a lot more time focusing on shooting the ball on the move or when I’m tired as opposed to just stand still catch and shoot 3s. Taking game speed reps and shooting the ball while you’re tired not only gives you physical endurance to shoot the ball the same way in overtime as the first shot of the game, but it also builds mental toughness. I am confident that every shot I take is going in because I put the work in. And even if I miss this shot, the next one is going in for sure.

The game overseas is more team orientated. How developed is your playmaking. Is this an area of your game that you will look to improve more as a rookie?

My playmaking is absolutely something I am looking to improve as a rookie. Most times when I am making plays for others it is through just reacting to what the defense is giving me. As I develop this year, I want to learn how to control and manipulate the defense instead of just reacting to the defense. Someone that comes to mind that manipulates the defense with the ball is Luka Doncic or Nikola Jokic, which makes sense because they both come from overseas. Furthermore, I want to expand my knowledge of the game. I like to think of myself as a smart player, but I feel like I only think about the current play. To take my game to the next level, I have to start thinking 2 or 3 plays ahead.

What kind of a defender are you and what are your goals on the defensive end in the next few years?

I am a prideful defender. I absolutely hate to be the person that gets scored on or misses a defensive assignment, and when that happens I feel as though I am letting my teammates down. In the next few years I really want to become a pest on defense. I am a solid defender and will stay in front of my man, but I want to become more like a Dyson Daniels or a Lou Dort or Alex Caruso that is just irritating and draining to play against. That way I can wear down the opponent both physically and mentally.

On what areas of your game are you working on most this summer so you will be prepared for Germany?

The areas of my game I am working on most this summer is my shot, my ball handling, and my endurance. I want to be as automatic of a shooter as possible because being able to shoot the ball well opens up so much space for both me and my teammates to be able to operate on the floor. I am working on my ball handling so I can create opportunities both for myself and my teammates. Lastly, I am focusing on my endurance so I will be the same player in the last minute of the game as I was in the first minute of the game. All the skills in the world don’t mean anything if they go out the window as soon as you get tired.

You stated basketball is 99% mental. How do you work on your mentality so you can always be mentally strong on the floor?

I would say the biggest thing I do to work on my mental game is meditating. We live in such a fast paced world that it is difficult, and almost seems unnatural to slow down at times. Meditating slows my thoughts down and allows me to focus on one thing at a time while tuning the unimportant things out. Meditating helps me build mental fortitude because it shows me I am not a slave to my thoughts or feelings, which is equally useful in life and in basketball.

You played 2 seasons at Indiana Univ-Purdue Univ-Indianapolis (NCAA) and never averaged more than 4,7ppg. How do you remember these years? How did your game develop under Matt Crenshaw?

These years were incredibly important for my development both as a man and as an athlete. During the first week of practice my freshman year, I broke my shooting wrist and never had it properly diagnosed, causing me to play the whole year with the injury. This was an obstacle unlike anything I’ve ever faced, but it helped me develop both physical and mental toughness. Playing for Coach Crenshaw was the first time I really learned the ins and outs of being a true point guard. At the time things were very rough and didn’t always make sense to me, but I learned a lot of good lessons that helped me when I got moved to point guard this year. Even though all the trials and tribulations, I am extremely grateful to have spent those two years at IUPUI. I learned a lot about myself, the game of basketball, and more importantly the game of life.

You had some good games against Oakland and Wright State, but the team did lose a lot. What was your fondest moment there?

I can’t look back on one moment in particular as my fondest moment. Those two years at IUPUI were unlike anything else I have experienced in my life. I feel like the people I played on those teams with, from the players to the coaches to the managers, all have a special connection because of what we went through together. Nobody else in the world went through what we went through, and that gives us a brotherhood that nobody else can be a part of. I guess my fondest moment is the kinship I build with my fellow Jaguars along the way. It wasn’t perfect, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

You then finished at Newman University (NCAA2) averaging 6.6ppg, 3.2rpg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 83.7% and 12.5ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.1apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 46.1%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 84.5%. You made a massive jump in your game in your senior season. How did your game grow in your last season?

I think the only thing that grew from my junior to my senior season was my mentality. Of course I continued to work on my game, but the offseason between my junior and my senior year was the first time I ever really worked on my mental game. As I did that my confidence grew more and more, which allowed me to be my best self when the lights came on.

You had many great games. I can imagine your 30 points and 7 three´s in the win over Emporia State was your personal favorite moment?

That might be my favorite moment of my whole career so far. My journey hasn’t been easy since my junior year of high school. I have dealt with a lot of obstacles and challenges that a lot of other people wouldn’t dare face, let alone repeatedly. I wouldn’t have been able to get through them without my parents by my side. So to have my career best night, on senior night in front of my parents was an incredibly special moment for me. It was special not only because it was my career high and we won the game, but it felt symbolic. All of the time, effort, and money my parents have poured into me over the years all culminated in that one game. I can truly say if that was my last basketball game ever, I would have been satisfied because it felt like I truly gave back to my parents.

How head coach RJ Allen Groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

Coach Allen best prepared all of us Jets for a professional career not just in basketball, but in life in general. Coach Allen truly expects all of his players and staff members to act like professionals no matter what their athletic aspirations are. The biggest thing he taught me was that being a professional does not come with the title, but it comes with how you carry yourself every day. Show up early, put extra work in, be respectful to those you serve and to those who serve you, etc. Coach Allen is a wonderful basketball coach, but the most important lessons he taught me were about the game of life, not just the game of basketball.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Latik Murphy?

I don’t think we ever played, but I’m taking myself in a 1-1 against anybody on the planet until they prove me otherwise.

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

Antoine Davis. Easily. Playing against him was literally like playing against a My Career character, it was crazy. That guy can shoot the ball from wherever, with whoever on him, whenever he wanted, and it was going in no matter what.

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

This is tough because I’ve had the privilege to play with so many great players. In no particular order: Stevie Strong, Jlynn Counter, BJ Maxwell, Stevie Smith, and Latik Murphy.

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Kobe, KD, Curry, Lebron

Who is your Goat?

My GOAT is Kobe.

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

I didn’t see the sequel to Coming to America but I do agree they should probably just leave sequels in general alone at this point.

Thanks Boston for the chat.

There Is Only One D.J Johnson But D.J. Jeffries(EPG Baskets) Wants The Fans To Also Love The New DJ

At the beginning, I may have been the only one that called Dominique Johnson Dominque. But with time, I got the DJ name plastered into my mind as much as Big Deuce is with Boston Celtic Jayson Tatum. Veteran Dominique ‘DJ’ Johnson played 4 seasons with the EPG Baskets and is a player that will never be forgotten. He was the identity figure for years and was a player that always gave you 180% and played with an intensity seldom or possibly never matched by anyone. In the NBA you knew you would get intensity from guys like Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant or Russell Westbrook while in the German Pro A, you had DJ Johnson. He was a big factor for the EPG Baskets Koblenz winning the Pro B title in 2023 and moving up to the Pro A in 2023. Unfortunately the club didn’t have the desired results in the last 2 seasons and even if there were guys on the team in the last 2 years that didn’t always give their all, DJ Johnson would always give you 100%. DJ Johnson left the team after 4 years and now the club has reeled in a new player by the name of D.J. Jeffries (201-F-1999, college: MSU) who mentions Michael Jordan as his GOAT. And like Johnson, he also goes by the name DJ. Decorian DJ Jeffries is a very talented player that is looking for his pro break through with the EPG Baskets after a tough rookie season in the G-League where he only averaged 1,8ppg. Jeffries is like Johnson a very versatile player and wants to make the EPG Baskets fans proud with his game. ‘Yes obviously I want to make the fans proud of my game. I don’t know the impact that DJ Johnson had on this great country, but I know that I will give my best each and every day to make sure that the fans love me the same way’, warned DJ Jeffries who believes that the Coming To America classic should have been left alone.

DJ Jeffries who lists Brandon Miller and Dalton Knecht as his toughest opponents in the NCAA was born on December 28th, 1999 in Olive Branch Mississippi. He began to play basketball in the third grade and played for Cordova middle school. He grew very fast and was already dunking the ball in the eighth grade. He then played high school ball for Olive Branch. He helped his school win the Class 5A title averaging 20,8ppg and was a runner up as a senior averaging 23,3ppg, 12,8rpg, 5,6apg and 2,6bpg. He was named Mississippi Gatorade player of the year and had the honor to play at the Jordan Brand classic. ‘The memories that stood out was just being the with guys you’ve been playing against since you were younger and just competing and having fun with all of them’, said DJ Jeffries. He then played 2 years at the University of Memphis (NCAA) averaging 10.8ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.5apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 55.5%, 3PT: 39.0%, FT: 74.3% and 9.9ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 48.2%, 3PT: 35.2%, FT: 56.2%. ‘I feel like my game grew the most as far as my pace for the game coming in as a freshman everything was just at 100 mph but once I learned pace the game. it got easier for me’, stated DJ Jeffries. In his second season he helped the school win the NIT title. He gave all he had in the final contributing 15 points, 5 boards and swatting away 5 shots. ‘That NIT run was special especially winning the whole thing. It was a year full of adversity and even though things didn’t go the way we wanted it to go with a tournament run I feel like ending the season the way we did was definitely a special moment’, stressed DJ Jeffries. In his 2 years there, he played 47 games and scored in double figures in 26 games including netting 23 points against Ole Miss and 21 points against MVSU. He was very fortunate to learn from NBA legend Penny Hardaway: ‘I mean playing for a legend like Penny is a once in a lifetime experience and you know growing up I use to get compared to him a lot and he just helped me simplify the game for me and just was teaching me to be a pro on and off the court’, remembered DJ Jeffries. He then gained further experience at Mississippi State University (NCAA) playing 3 seasons and demonstrated his great consistency averaging 8.9ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 50.3%, 3PT: 29.3%, FT: 72.6%, 8.9ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.8apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 42.4%, 3PT: 27.1%, FT: 56.8% and 6.5ppg, 5.6rpg, 1.6apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 55.7%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 59.3%. He helped the school reach 2 March Madness rounds and lost 2 tough games to Pittsburgh and Michigan State, Was there a loss that hurt more? ‘That’s a tough question both of them really hurt but the one that still gets me is the Michigan State one because if I was fully healthy then who knows the outcome but it’s always that what if that sits in the back of your mind and it my last college game ever so it definitely hurt worse’, said DJ Jeffries. He played 100 NCAA games for MSU and scored in double figures in 38 games. He scored 19 points against Winthrop and 18 points against LSU. He had the fortune to play for Chris Jans who was able to groom and prepare him for a pro career. ‘I feel like coach Jan’s helped me grow as man, he taught me self accountability, he taught me a lot of life lessons that I look back at now and realize what he was saying. Of course we didn’t see eye to eye all the time but he definitely was a blessing in disguise in my life that I didn’t know I needed until I got away from him and saw everything he was trying to tell me about’, added DJ Jeffries who never faced teammate Cameron Matthews in a 1-1 game in practice, but would always bet on himself winning.

The Mississippi native who lists Josh Hubbard, Tolu Smith, Cameron Mathews, Deandre Williams, and Alex Lomax as his 5 best teammates of all-time played 1 NBA Summer League game in 2024 for the Memphis Grizzlies and then played his rookie season for the Raptors 905 Mississauga (NBA G League) playing 6 games averaging 1.8ppg, 2.5rpg. It was a season to forget. ‘It was definitely tough because you really didn’t understand the business at the time but the more you go through things you look at it like everything happens for a reason so I definitely learned the importance of being prepared for every opportunity’, warned DJ Jeffries. He also remembers his wake up call to being in the G-League and knows that he will have to be 100% certain if he will ever try that route again. ‘I’ll say my wake up moment would be preparation and learning the pro game and how different it is from what you are used to. I’m not saying I wouldn’t go back if it was the right opportunity but everything has to make sense for me to make that move back’, expressed DJ Jeffries. He is starting his overseas career with German Pro A team EPG Baskets Koblenz. He didn’t know much about the country Germany except that it has great basketball and a great culture. He even knows some guys who like him are in Germany for the first time this season living the dream with Eric Reed Jr, Malcolm Dandridge, and Boogie Ellis. For him it wasn’t tough to chose an ambitious organization like the EPG Baskets Koblenz and is totally content with head coach Stephan Dohrn’s basketball philosophy. ‘I just wanted to go to the best country for basketball and learn and grown my game in the process while learning from my teammates and coaches about the new culture. The talks with coach went really well. He came to me and was like we are a hard nosed defensive team and we play free on the offensive end so that was magic to my ear’, smiled DJ Jeffries. After a very tough rookie season, he is more than just driven to make his pro break through in Koblenz. ‘ I’m more motivated than ever especially since things didn’t go the way I wanted to In the g league but mentally I feel good it’s a fresh start and a new beginning and a new chapter in life to go and prove myself again’, warned DJ Jeffries.

So what kind of a player can basketball Germany await from DJ Jeffries who names Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Shaq on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore? He is a player that likes to model his game after 3 legends with Kevin Durant, Tracy McGrady and Carmelo Anthony. Like them he is a 3 level scorer that can do tons of things on the court. He can fill the stat sheet at ease and versatility really stands out in his game. ‘I think versatility is good especially with my size and abilities you can do so many different things and play many different positions that can make the game easier for yourself and team, you can pretty much play anywhere on the court’, said DJ Jeffries. His three pointer is still a work in progress as he shot the ball near 40% from outside at Memphis, but under 30% at Mississippi. ‘A lot of my shooting is confidence just believing you can make those shots knowing every time you shoot them. Good shooting is all confidence and the more confidence you have the better’, warned DJ Jeffries. He can be that impact player on the offensive end, but also holds his own on the defensive end. ‘I feel like I have growth in my defense I want to be better with my interior defense in the paint I wouldn’t say I’m a shot blocker but I can block shots I feel like I’m a great on ball defender and a great off ball defender’, stressed DJ Jeffries. He is never content with his game and knows exactly what he has to do to reach the next level. ‘In the perfect world I would say my shooting but an honest answer is my whole overall game just being a better player in general’, stated DJ Jeffries. Even if he is only 24 years old, he has proved that he can win titles. His leadership skills could come in handy with the EPG Baskets. ‘I feel like I’m a good leader I’m more of a lead by example then a vocal leader but when I have to use my voice I can but I feel like once I get comfortable and pick up on things I can be an even better leader’, expressed DJ Jeffries. There will never be a second DJ Johnson, but both Dj’s have something in common and that is both are winners. The EPG Baskets Koblenz are in good hands with DJ Jeffries.