Jakorie Smith (198-F, college: Tarleton St.) is a 198cm forward from Mississippi playing his second professional season and first with Snaefell (Iceland-Division I). Last season he played his rookie season overseas with Golden Eagle Ylli (Kosova-Superliga) averaging 6.3ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 47.1%, 3FGP: 12.5%, FT: 81.3%, and then moved to the Newfoundland Rogues, starting five (BSL) averaging 16.7ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 61.8%, 3PT: 38.1%, FT: 84.6%. He began his basketball career at Raymond high school and then played 3 years at East Mississippi Community College (JUCO) averaging 15.2ppg, 8.4rpg, 1.1apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 49.1%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 73.6%, 13.3ppg, 7.7rpg, 2.0apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 48.0%, 3PT: 27.5%, FT: 76.5%, and 17.7ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.4apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 45.8%, 3PT: 37.1%, FT: 84.6%. He then played 2 seasons at Tarleton State University (NCAA) averaging 9.8ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 74.1% and 15.7ppg, 4.6rpg, 2.0apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 84.1%. He spoke to germanhoops.com after his monumental 50 point game.
Thanks Jakorie for talking to germanhoops.com. Congrats on scoring 50 points overseas. That is a mile stone. What does an achievement like that mean to you?
No problem at all. Thanks, It means a lot to reach a milestone like 50 points, Not really for myself but to show young basketball players in my hometown of Utica, Ms and surrounding areas in Hinds County that they can also achieve something like this. For me it’s just being an inspiration to my community.
Was it a bit more difficult to enjoy at the end simply because you lost the game? Yes, I mean anytime you step on the court you want to come out with the victory But my teammates made sure to let me know I could enjoy the milestone. Letting me know that a 50 point game is rare at any level.
Did you have a special feeling going into the game or feel different going into the game? Or was it just another normal day for you? No not really any special feelings. I was just trying to help my team get the victory and before I knew 50 points was on the stat sheet. Shots were going in down the stretch. I felt like I couldn’t miss. I guess you could say that’s the special feeling!
You had some 30 plus point games this season. How do you explain 50 points? That is a big rise in scoring. What did you do differently besides take more shots and be aggressive? I really can’t explain it, it honestly just happened. I did nothing differently. My teammates made plays and found me and I was able to knock the shots down.
How rapidly did you know that you may have a really good scoring night? I didn’t know during the game. I remember telling one of my teammates “man I’m not feeling it tonight during the game”. I was kind of stiff but I guess you can say I ended up feeling it in the 2nd half.
How thankful are you for Juan Luis Navarro? He found you a lot on this night?
Very thankful. Juan is a very smart basketball player and me and him have a great chemistry. He makes the right read and the right plays and I’m just lucky I was the beneficiary of that during the game.
You played 39 minutes. Were you getting a bit tired at the end or were you playing in adrenaline? Yes I mean I got a little winded but of course that’s what I train for. That’s what I practice for. I have to be able to finish the game. My body has to be able to play the whole game if needed.
Did you know in crunch-time that you were close to 50 or was it more a surprise when you got the stat sheet? Not really. I was kind of in a zone and trying to win the game. Took a glance up at the board after the game and saw 50.
What was your favorite own basket of your 50 point performance? All of them, it’s hard to just single out one basket when you have 50 points. All buckets were my favorite, even the free throws!
After netting 50, does the desire and hunger grow to do it again? I mean no not really. I was just trying to do my best to help the team win. If I have to do it again to help the team it’ll definitely happen again.
Did you treat the team to dinner or have to get donuts? No sir, but the guys know I appreciate them in every way! Expressed my gratitude to them over and over after the game ended!
How many congrats did you get? About how many messages did you get on your phone?
I got quite a few. It was a big night for my career and a lot of people congratulated me. Most importantly all of my family called and talked about it.
Keith Braxton (196-G-1997, college: SFU) is a 28 year old 196cm guard from New Jersey playing his fifth pro season and second in Germany and first with Science City Jena currently averaging 13,1ppg, 5,3rpg and 2,8apg. Last season he played with the VfL SparkassenStars Bochum (Germany-ProA) averaging PPG-2 (19.5), 6.2rpg, 4.9apg, SPG-5 (1.7), FGP: 56.2%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 74.3%. He played the 23-24 season with KFUM Jamtland Basket (Sweden-Basketligan) averaging 11.0ppg, 8.2rpg, 1.8apg, SPG-1 (1.7), FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 82.4%. He played the 22-23 season with Belfius Mons-Hainaut (Belgium-Pro Basketball League) averaging 12.6ppg, 5.9rpg, 3.0apg, SPG-5 (1.9), FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 81.8%. He played his rookie season with Maccabi Ma’ale Adumim (Israel-National League) averaging 19.0ppg, 8.2rpg, 5.3apg, SPG-3 (2.1), FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 80.3%. He began his basketball career with Delsea high school and then played at St. Francis University (PA) (NCAA) from 2016-2020 playing a total of 129 games. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
Thanks Keith for talking to germanhoops.com. After playing your first 3 pro seasons in Israel, Sweden and Belgium, your now playing your second season in Germany in Jena. Has Germany become like a second home for you?
Germany has kind of become home because it has given me stability and I like the professionalism here. Teams are competitive, teammates are great, and it’s a great location to continue to grow my game.
You had to pay your dues for 4 seasons overseas, but now are playing in a top 5 league with the easyCredit BBL. How rewarding has your grind been? The grind has been tough, but definitely rewarding. I’ve been in Israel by the beaches, in Sweden in the snow, and in the BNXT which is another good league. To be back in one of the top leagues is where I want to be, but I have to keep working and getting better.
Your playing your first season with Science City Jena. How vital was the fact that they were playing in the easyCredit BBL for you to join the team? It was very vital for me. I wanted to get back to a top league and prove that I cannot only compete with the best of them, but also win as well.
How did the talks go with head coach Bjoern Harmsen? What did you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy? Talks with Coach Bjorn went well. We were both excited to work together and make something happen in the BBL. I appreciate his attention to detail the most about his philosophy. Small things can make a difference and he’s adamant about doing those things right.
Last season Bochum won the first game against Jena where you scored 27 points, but in the next 4 games lost by more than 10 points each time. What memories do you have of the battles with Jena? You were 0/7 from outside in the first 2 playoff games.
They were great battles that we had last season. I remember us winning at home and the environment was crazy. I also remember the playoff series and the energy that was in the arenas. I never would have thought that the crowd that was cheering against me would be rooting for me the next season.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 196cm forward. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description?
I wouldn’t say it’s a comparison, but I like Luka Doncic. I like players that can do a little bit of everything. Luka can score, pass, rebound, and plays at his own pace. Those are all things I like to do, as well as play defense.
You fill the stat sheet like no other. Is versatility the staple of your game?
Versatility is a huge part of my game and style. I like to do whatever I can do to help my team win. Some nights your shot might not be falling and you need to help your team in other ways. I pride myself on being good at many different aspects of basketball and it separates me a little bit so I can play many roles.
You are a great scorer, rebounder and passer. What other strength is key in your offensive game? Another strength to my offensive game is my basketball IQ. I can see what angles
I have to take and read defenders the right way. Being one step ahead and being reactive is huge to being able to do what you want on the court.
You have been at 35% or better from outside overseas and once reached 40%. What is your goal as a shooter in the BBL?
My goal as a shooter in the BBL is to be in the 50-40-90 club. It’s a good goal to strive for and will make me work hard and be consistent to achieve it.
Your also a great defender. What kind of a defender would you call yourself now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become in the next years? I would call myself a smart defender. I have good anticipation and know when to be in the passing and driving lanes. I want to become a physical defender. I want to pick up full court and make things difficult for the opponent.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?
I’m working on my full court defense and making more difficult shots off the dribble. I have to be a pest and I know there will be few opens shots in the BBL.
In the 2023-2024 season you played with KFUM Jamtland Basket (Sweden-Basketligan) averaging 11.0ppg, 8.2rpg, 1.8apg, Steals-1 (1.7spg), FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 82.4%. What kind of an experience was Sweden? You lost a tough 5 game series against Boras?
Sweden was tough for me because it was the first time I came to a team mid season. I had to fill in a role and help the team win. The league was solid and I learned a lot from the coaches and players.
You played a season with Belfius Mons-Hainaut (Belgium- BNXT League averaging 12.6ppg, 5.9rpg, 3.0apg, Steals-5 (1.9spg), FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 81.8%. You won 2 playoff series and then lost to Mechelen. What memories do you have of that tough playoff series?
I just remember the series being physical and tactical. They were a good team and deserved to win. I remember how all of our guys left it on the line and played like it was their last game.
You played your rookie season with Maccabi Ma’ale Adumim (Israel-National League) averaging19.0ppg, 8.2rpg, 5.3apg, Steals-3 (2.1spg), FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 80.3%. What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?
I remember getting to my destination early in the morning and I was ready to call my parents and tell them. However, I was 7 hours ahead and they were all asleep.
How important was having this great season for your basketball development? You had a triple double against E.Kiryat Ata. How did your game grow as a rookie?
It was very important to start my career off right for my basketball development. My game grew as a rookie because my basketball IQ grew and I learned European basketball. It’s a little different from college, so getting a early grasp on it helped a lot.
You played at St Francis (NCAA) from 2016-2020 reaching 3 Nec finals. You were as consistent as could be. Did you learn gaining that consistency in your game there? Your consistency has been present since your rookie season overseas. Yes I learned a lot about consistency in college. Coach Krimmel was huge on showing up and winning every day. Each day was a new opportunity to get better and prove yourself again. I give a lot of credit to him for teaching me to stay ready so I don’t have to get ready.
You had many great games at St Francis like registering a triple double against Fair Dickinson. You were close to triple doubles on 2 other occasions against St Francis NY and Lehigh. What was your best game in the NCAA? My best game is college was probably my sophomore year against ranked Louisville. I had 25 points and 11 rebounds and that really gave me a confidence boost that I could be a great player.
In your second season you played against Duke holding your own with 13 points and 6 rebounds and battled future NBA guys like Bagley, Trent, Carter and Allen. What memories do you have of that game? I just remember that game being a packed crowd on a small court. Everyone was going crazy and it felt like the college video games. It wasn’t a close game at all, but playing against Duke, NBA players, and shaking Coach K’s hand was something I won’t forget.
How did head coach Rob Krimmel groom and prepare you best for a professional career?
Coach Krimmel taught me how to be a leader and to be aggressive and confident in my game. He gave me tools to lead and always put me in the right positions to learn and grow. He used to get mad at me when I didn’t shoot and instilled so much confidence in me. Confidence, leadership, learning are crucial for a professional career.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Isaiah Blackmon? I was the 1on1 champ my first 3 years of college but Isaiah finally dethroned me my senior year.
Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA? The toughest player I played in college was probably Marvin Bagley. I played the 4 my first 2 years so guarding him was really tough. He ended up being a lottery pick so being assigned to him was a good challenge.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time? Tra Holder, Charlie Moore, Jamaal King, Isaiah Blackmon, and Mike Holloway
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul Jabbar
Who is your GOAT?
LeBron James
Did you see the remake of the classic coming to America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?
I have not actually. I don’t know if that’s a sign that I shouldn’t have, but I am a firm believer that they should leave classic movies alone.
James Karnik (206-C-1998, college: Boston Coll., agency: Players Group) is a 27 year old 206cm forward that has the Canadian/Czech Republic citizenship that is playing his third professional season and with Neptunas Klaipeda (Lithuania-LKL). Last season he played with Donar Groningen (Holland-DBL) averaging 15.8ppg, RPG-2 (10.4), 1.6apg, FGP: 61.1%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 72.2% in the BNXT and in the ENBL averaged (19.4), RPG-1 (14.1), 1.0apg, BPG-5 (1.3), FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 71.4%. He split his rookie season with the Lions de Geneve (Switzerland-SBL) averaging 10.3ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0bpg, and in Feb.’23 moved to Basket Brno (NBL) averaging 4.8ppg, 2.8rpg. He also had expereince 3 times playing in Canada twice with the Vancouver Bandits (Canada-CEBL) averaging 8.0ppg, 6.5rpg, BPG-4 (1.4), FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 16.7%, FT: 80.0% and 8.6ppg, 7.3rpg, FGP: 48.3%, FT: 65.0% while also playing with the the Fraser Valley Bandits (Canada-CEBL): 11 games: 14.5ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 77.5%. He began his career with Orangeville Prep and the played at Lehigh (NCAA) from 2017-2020 improving his scoring average each season. He then added 2 more seasons with Boston College (NCAA) averaging 6.8ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 76.0% and 9.8ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP: 61.5%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 73.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball before leaving the club and heading back to the States in December 2025
Thanks James for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season for Neptunas Klaipeda (Lithuania-LKL). After playing in Switzerland and Holland overseas, now your playing with Neptunas Klaipeda (Lithuania-LKL). What kind of an experience has it been playing for this club? What have you enjoyed most about it?
I’ve enjoyed the atmosphere and the more competitive league
Lithiuania is a small country, but basketball crazy. How have you experienced the basketball culture there and what has been the craziest thing that you have witnessed? They are very passionate about basketball, which makes it a very fun atmosphere to play in
The club has never won a title in Lithuania but did reach the cup final in 2025 and is playing Eurocup. What are the biggest goals of the organization?
I’m no longer with the organization
What exactly is your role on your team? You’re a big man that makes an impact at both ends of the court. To impact the game by being a relentless hustler an and being a hard worker
You averaged more minutes in the Eurocup than in the LKL. Was it a tough adjustment playing more in one competition than in another? No the club does a good job managing the players bodies during times of high intensity
What are your biggest goals this season as a player. You had your break through season in Holland last season. Your playing in the Eurocup and aren´t a main go to guy as with Donar Groningen. Just continue to play hard and what ever happens, happens
Last season you played with Donar Groningen (BNXT League) averaging 15.8ppg, RPG-2 (10.4), 1.6apg, FGP: 61.1%, 3PT: 20.0%, FT: 72.2%; and in the ENBL averaged 19.4), RPG-1 (14.1), 1.0apg, BPG-5 (1.3), FGP: 55.3%, 3PT: 50.0%, FT: 71.4%. You had an incredible personal season with Donar Groningen. What kind of a player did you become there? The same player I’ve always been, just had a solid opportunity to play basketball and play my game
You had a 36 point game in the BNXT as well as a 21 rebound game and a 23 rebound game in the ENBL. You had 13 offensive rebounds against Newcastle. How do you do that. Is there some basketball luck on your side to pull that off? No just hard work and having my team put me in good position to score.
You played your rookie season with Lions de Geneve (Switzerland-SBL) playing 3 games averaging 10.3ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.7apg, 1.0bpg, in Feb.’23 moved to Basket Brno (NBL) playng5 games averaging 4.8ppg, 2.8rpg. What do you remember being your wake up call to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home? My rookie season wasn’t good, I was dealing with a knee tendonitis problem that ended taking me away from the game for a whole season.
How tough was this rookie season? What did you learn most from this experience? You have to advocate for yourself to take care of your body since sometimes no one else will look out for you.
You played 3 summers in Canada in the CEBL with the Bandits. What kind of an experience has Canada been? This is a league on the rise. Do you believe playing competitive instead of just working out at home? I think it can be a good opportunity to improve if you have the right program to help you develop.
You also have played Euro qualifiers in 2023 and 2025 with the Czech Republic. You were born in Canada and grew up there. What kind of a feeling do you personally have wearing the Czech jersey? I love being able to put on the Czech jersey and it makes me feel connected to a part of my ancestry.
How do you see the future of the Czech national team? The team has good experience, but are young talented guys coming up and how do you see your role in the future? I see myself taking a larger role with the team and move into a more experience dependable player for them.
You played at Lehigh University (NCAA) from 2017-2020. You made big strides at Lehigh in your 3 seasons improving your scoring average each season. How did your grow there under head coach Bret Reed? Coach Reed did a good job on developing his player in to great men off the court. Make us accountable for our actions.
You had many really great games at Lehigh, but how special were the last 2 wins against Loyola MD at the end of your tour of duty there? You had 2 good games and won both in exciting fashion.
It was a good experience, I remember I was coming off an ankle injury at the time so it was nice to start getting into rhythm with those games.
You then played at Boston College (NCAA) averaging 6.8ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 76.0% and 9.8ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP: 61.5%, 3PT: 26.3%, FT: 73.2%.You had many great games at Boston College like against Virginia Tech and Duke. What was your favorite game at Boston College?
Duke was by far my favorite game, I felt I was able to take over that game for my team and put us in a winning position. Although we fell short we all fought very hard.
What do you remember from your battles in practice with Quinten Post? Did you have a feeling in 2022 that he could reach the NBA?
Yes QP and I had some good battles in practice. Honestly I felt we both had a solid shot into reaching it into the NBA as we both helped each other improve by pushing each other.
How did head coach Earl Grant help prepare and groom you best for a professional career?
Coach Grant did a very good job to push my on improving my skills and he taught me a lot on how to view the game of basketball.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Quinton Post?
When we first got to school I was winning pretty consistently. But as the season went on QP improved a lot and there were several times where we got the best of each other. One of us would have a bad practice one day and the next we’d always make sure to fight even harder the next day
Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in your life? I played against Jaylen Brown in high school.
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
Vit Krejci, Tomas Satoransky, Ignas Brazdekis, Jan Vessely, Deandre Ayton
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore? I don´t watch enough basketball to have a say.
Jared Coleman-Jones (208-F-2000, college: SDSU) is a 25 year old 208cm forward born in Orlando, Florida and grew up in Georgia that is playing his rookie season overseas with WKS Slask Wroclaw (Poland-OBL). He began his basketball career at McEachern High School and had mover 1000 career points and rebounds there. He tehn played a season at Northwestern (NCAA) and then was at Middle Tennessee State University (NCAA) for 3 seasons an d n his last one averaged 11.0ppg, 7.6rpg, 2.2apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 44.2%, FT: 77.1%. He then added a season at San Diego State University (NCAA) averaging 7.3ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 48.4%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 59.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against Hamburg.
Thanks Jared for for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your first season with WKS Slask Wroclaw (Poland-OBL). What kind of an experience has it been for you as a rookie? What have you enjoyed most about Poland and basketball?
It’s been a great learning experience. Playing my first professional season overseas has forced me to grow quickly, both on and off the court. The level of physicality, the tactical side of the game, and the expectations are higher. What I’ve enjoyed most about Poland is the passion for basketball and how competitive the league is night to night. It’s a very honest style of basketball; if you’re not ready, it shows.
What was your wake up call to being a rookie overseas where you knew that you were far away from home? The biggest wake-up call was realizing there’s no safety net. You’re far from home, no familiar system, and every day matters. Practices, recovery, preparation. Everything is on you. That responsibility hit early, and I embraced it.
The team is having a great season in the Polish league. It last won a league title in 2022. What makes this years team so successful? This team has strong chemistry and depth. Everyone understands their role for the most part, and there’s a real commitment to defending and playing with effort. We’re disciplined, physical, and connected, which is why we’ve been consistent in the OBL.
It is struggling a bit in the Eurocup. What have been the main reasons for the club not having a better season?
EuroCup is a different animal. The margin for error is smaller, and we’ve had stretches where execution and experience hurt us. It’s also about adjusting to different styles very quickly. Those lessons will help us long-term.
Your averaging 20 minutes in the OBL and 13 minutes in the Eurocup. How vital was the growing pains that you had in some years in the NCAA to get you prepared for your rookie season?
Those years were huge for me. I didn’t come in as a finished product, and I had to earn everything. Learning patience, resilience, and how to impact winning without forcing things prepared me well for being a rookie pro.
You have been efficient in the OBL. What exactly is your role on the team?
My role is to bring versatility, defend multiple positions, rebound, stretch the floor, and make smart plays. I try to be efficient and impactful in my minutes, doing whatever the team needs that night.
The team is filled pretty well with bigs. How grueling are the battles in practice? Is there a teammate that has had the biggest impact on you this season?
Practices are very competitive. We have a lot of quality bigs, so nothing comes easy. That internal competition sharpens everyone. I’ve learned a lot from multiple teammates, especially in terms of physicality and positioning.
You’re a 208cm forward. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description? I’d compare my game to a mix of Dorian Finney-Smith and Bobby Portis. I bring Dorian’s defensive versatility and ability to space the floor, and Bobby’s energy, physicality, and impact on the glass. I take pride in being reliable and contributing to winning in the role I’m given.
You can fill the state sheet with ease. What would you describe as your biggest strengths on the court? Versatility, basketball IQ, rebounding, and doing the little things. I take pride in impacting the game even when I’m not scoring.
You took a good amount of three´s at Middle Tennessee and still take three´s now. How would you classify your three point game and how would you like to develop it further? I’m a confident shooter, especially when I’m taking good shots within the flow of the game. I want to continue improving consistency and extending my range so I’m even more of a floor spacer.
You averaged 1,1 bpg at Middle Tennessee one season. How would you describe your defensive game and are you a type of rim protector?
Defense is a big part of my identity. I’m not just a rim protector, I focus on positioning, timing, and guarding multiple actions. I want to be reliable on that end.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game? Decision-making at a higher speed, finishing through contact, and continuing to improve defensively. At this level, details matter.
You began your NCAA career at Northwestern University (NCAA) playing 31 games averaging 2.9ppg, 2.1rpg. How tough was this season and what positives could you gain from the season?
It was tough, but it taught me humility and patience. I learned how to work, how to stay ready, and how to be a good teammate even when things aren’t going your way.
You were teammates with future NBA player Peter Nance. What memories do you have of his game? He came out of his own in your season there and continued to develop well.
Pete was incredibly skilled and versatile. You could see his feel for the game early on. Watching his development was really motivating for me.
You then played at Middle Tennessee University from 2020-2024. You missed a season and had some growing pains the first seasons but broke out in your last season averaging 11.0ppg, 7.6rpg, 2.2apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 44.2%, FT: 77.1%. How do you remember this time? Did you become a man there?
That’s where I really grew up. I faced adversity, learned accountability, and developed real confidence through experience, not talk. I went through ups and downs, had to stay patient, and earned everything over time. By my last season, the work showed. I trusted my game, understood how to impact winning, and took pride in being consistent. Middle Tennessee and my coaches helped shape me not just as a player, but as a man.
You had some really good games against FIU, WKU and UTEP almost having a tripe double. What was your fondest moment on the court there?
Those games where everything came together…impacting the game across the board, winning, and feeling in control. Those moments stick with you. Specifically, when we played WKU at home. They were a huge rivalry for us and it was dubbed (100 miles of hate). Everyone was in sync and leading the charge felt amazing. It was one of those games where I entered flow state early on and didn’t lose focus.
You ten finished at San Diego State University (NCAA) averaging 7.3ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 48.4%, 3PT: 34.0%, FT: 59.3%. How vital was this extra season? How did you grow as a player? That season was huge. I learned how to win at a high level, how to defend consistently, and how to fit into a strong culture. It made me a better pro.
You had some really good games against Houston, Air Force and Wyoming. What was your fondest moment on the court there?
Competing against elite teams and holding my own. Those games kept me reminded of the work I had been putting in prior. Specifically, the Houston game. They’re a really defensive disciplined team and they have the offensive ability to match. For me to play how I did in that game was really eye opening to the fact that there’s still so many parts of my game I can unlock that will help me continue to level up in professional basketball.
How did head coach Brian Dutcher help you make that last step as a player and help prepare you for a pro career?
Coach Dutcher emphasized discipline, defense, and accountability. He helped me understand what it takes to be a professional every day. Also, My assistant coaches Dave Velasquez, Ryan Badrtalei, Jaydee Luster all helped push me mentally, physically, and spiritually to broaden my scope on what it means to be professional. Moreover, the trickle down effect of the program influenced everyone to push themselves towards greater levels. My grad assistants Shane Geschwind, Ryan Noriega and my player development coach Aguek Arop all were in the gym with me everyday pushing me, helped me grow, sharpening my attention to detail. It was an experience I was super grateful for.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Magoon Gwath? We’ll call that a competitive draw. Magoon Gwath is an uber talented player. Practice battles made both of us a lot better.
Who was the toughest player that you ever faced that reached the NBA or Euroleague? Facing players who went on to the NBA or EuroLeague showed how small the margin is at the top. In retrospect, my freshman year I had to guard Daniel Oturu. In the BIG10 as a freshman, that was a wake up call to me on how physical and skilled guys at my position were
Please name your five best teammates of all-time?
That’s a really tough question, I’ve been lucky to play with a lot of talented, high-character guys at every stop from middle school to now.
Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore of 5 best players of all-time? My undisputed NBA Mount Rushmore is Stephen Curry, Kobe Bryant, Michaerl Jordan, LeBron James, and Shaquille O’Neal.
Who is your GOAT? Respective Goats are LBJ and MJ.
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone`? I saw it. It was a pretty good movie but some classics are better left untouched…but it was still entertaining.
Predrag Lukic is a German/Serbian coach who was in Asia the last 10 years coaching various teams and currently is a youth development & assistant coach of the HAKRO Merlins Crailsheim. He came to Asia in 2016 and coached BC Rise Sport Foshan (China, Guangdong province). He also coached clubs like Chongson KungFu (China-ASEAN League), Thang Long Warriors (Vietnam-VBA), NSH Mountain Gold Timika (Indonesia-IBL), Nhatrang Dolphins (Vietnam-VBA), DNA Bima Perkasa Jogja (IBL). He began his coaching career in Germany coaching teams like Baskets Luedenscheid (Germany-2. Regionalliga), BG Hagen (Germany-Regionalliga), GiroLive-Ballers Osnabrueck (ProA), TSV Quakenbrueck Dragons (Germany-2.Bundesliga) women team, ChemCats Chemnitz (Germany-DBBL) women team, Basket Oberhausen (Germany-DBBL) women team, Wolfenbuettel (Pro B) and Buergerfelder TB (Germany-Regionalliga). He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.
You have been part of HAKRO Merlins Crailsheim since March 2025. After ten years as a professional head coach in top Asian leagues – Indonesia, Mongolia, China and Vietnam – why was this the right moment for a change?
After ten very intense and successful years in international professional basketball, I was consciously looking for a new challenge. It was important for me to find a club with top-level structures, good people and a clear vision, while also allowing me to balance my two main passions – basketball at a high level and my family. I found exactly that at HAKRO Merlins, which is why the move in March 2025 felt absolutely right.
What convinced you most about joining HAKRO Merlins Crailsheim? From the very beginning, I felt that this club works in a very professional, structured and at the same time human way. The organization, the long-term vision and the people involved convinced me immediately. I am extremely happy to be part of such a renowned traditional club, especially in a special year as the Merlins celebrate their 40th anniversary. That says a lot about the identity of this organization.
You signed a four-year contract as a youth development coach. What are your main objectives?
My clear focus is on developing the U18 and U19 programs in a sustainable way. It’s about building strong structures and continuously raising the level of player development. One long-term goal is to bring the club back to the NBBL. Even more important, however, is building a real bridge between youth basketball and the professional team, especially since I am also working as an assistant coach with the pros. especially since I am also working as an assistant coach with the pros.
How important is this connection between youth development and the professional team? It is absolutely central. Young players need to understand early what is required at the professional level – on the court, mentally and personally. Through my dual role, I can directly transfer those standards. The close daily collaboration within the coaching staff, including Bogdan Radosavljevic, Ingo Enskat and David McCray, helps us establish one clear basketball philosophy throughout the entire club.
What makes working at HAKRO Merlins special for you on a personal level? It’s the combination of tradition, professionalism and people. With Martin Romig as the club’s founder and now Lukas Lienert a very strong culture has been built over the past 40 years. What he has created is exceptional and deserves the highest respect. For me, this role is not just a job, but a long-term project where I truly feel I can make an impact.
How would you summarize your experience since joining the club in March 2025?
Very positive. I feel completely settled here, both professionally and personally. It was the right decision, and I’m really looking forward to the coming years – developing young players, working closely with the professional team and taking the next steps together with HAKRO Merlins Crailsheim.
With your experience as a head coach, how do you fit in with the classic role as assistant coach to coach with David Mccray? Does he take advice on and how do you believe have you helped him develop? My role in the Pro A team is to be the bridge between the youth development to get them the best way into pro level. To work with McCray who brings basketball experience from his long career in BBL as player is very nice cooperation together, I am happy to have met him and hopefully together we can already this season celebrate the promotion up back to BBL.
The Merlins are holding their own in 3rd place. How big is the desire to move back to the easyCredit BBL and can this year´s team finally get over the hump? It´s the goal, and I do believe we can make it this season. Of course if all stay healthy and the little luck you need for it as well.
I have always enjoyed Tyrese Blunt. How special is he and how far is he from reaching the easyCredit BBL? I agree, I enjoy also to see his effort every day at practice and games. Young potential guy, who surely will have soon the chance to get next steps in BBL, of course with us
How do you feel have you grown as a head coach now with the dual duties with the Pro A and U-18 and U-19 teams?
I’m very grateful to the Hakro Merlins for the trust they’ve placed in me with this responsibility. Having the opportunity to lead both the in the Pro A team and the U-19 programs has been an important step in my growth as a head coach. It has allowed me to develop further as a leader, sharpen my organizational and communication skills, and align short-term performance with long-term player development. I truly appreciate the confidence the club has shown in me and I’m motivated to continue giving my best to help all teams progress.
Please name your German/Serbian MOUNT Rushmore of 5 best players of all-time? Germans surely: Dirk Nowizki and and Andy Obst.
Serbians: Dejan Bodiroga and Pedja Stojakovic and Nikola Jokic
Also please name your Coaching Mount Rushmore of 5 best coaches of all-time for you?
Svetislav Pešic, Gregg Popovich, Zeljko Obradovic, Dirk Bauermann and Rick Pitino
I remember the time of year as it was yesterday. It was early spring in 2013 and I was driving to Duesseldorf to see game 3 between Duesseldorf and Nurnberg. The main reason I went was too see my friend Murat Didin who was coaching Duesseldorf at that time. I had got to know Didin when he coached Frankfurt when I had just got into basketball reporting in 2004. There were some players at that time that I enjoyed watching like Ahmad Smith and Zamal Nixon or Adam Waleskowski and Kendall Chones, but Marin Petric sure wasn´t one of them. But I surely respected Petric just like any other player. I was already interviewing guys then like crazy and just loved reporting about them. Nurnberg won game 3 to lead 2-1 in games and wouldn´t wilt as they came back from behind to win the series 3-2, then proceed and beat Jena, but lose in the final against Vechta. Petric had a strong series averaging 16/4r in the last 4 games against Nurnberg series and would play many more years until he retired in 2020. When all was said and done, he had played 20+ years and played more than 400 professional games and played for 14 clubs. He mostly played in Germany, but also had stints in Spain and Switzerland. I saw him play numerous times when he played with clubs like Trier, RheinStars and the Scanplus Baskets. I also saw him play in a special game in the summer of 2017 when he played for a team put together of German players that battled the University of Iowa (NCAA) in Heidelberg in a charity game for Basketball Aid. What is Marko´s earliest memory of seeing his dad play? “Unfortunately, I didn’t see him in his prime, but I still remember many good years. My first memories are from the 2012/2013 season in Düsseldorf, when the team was in the Pro A final against Vechta. He was always a great shooter and a hard worker, and that’s what stands out most about him as a player”, remembered Marko Petric (202-SG-2008). A few years ago, I witnessed the name of Marko Petric and it didn´t take me long to put 1 and 1 together that he was the son on Marin. It is always nice to see the offspring of former players come on the scene and play basketball and then being able to witness them develop and grow is such a joy. It also shows me that I have been around for a while reporting on the sport.
pic credit : Chiara Greve
Marko Petric who lists 7´3 big man Australian Rocco Zikarsky as his toughest opponent that he has faced so far in his career was born on April 21, 2008 in Spain where dad Marin was playing with C.B. Aridane Tenerife (Spain-EBA). He moved around a lot simply because his dad played in many different places. He came to Germany and lived 2 years in Freiburg, 6 years in Duesseldorf and 7 years in Ulm. “. Basketball was always a big part of my life, my weekends were usually spent in the gym, either watching my dad play or playing myself. Aside from that, I’d say I had a pretty normal childhood”, stressed Marko Petric. Growing up his dad as well as Steph Curry and Michael Jordan were his biggest influences. When you’re a small kid and all you see is your dad playing basketball day after day, it is only logical that you build a special relationship to the game. “Without my dad, I probably wouldn’t play basketball. Growing up in the gym watching him made me fall in love with the game. Early on, I tried to copy him as much as possible, but nowadays I’ve developed my own style. His impact was and still is huge”, warned Marko Petric. A lot has changed with work ethic in the last 20 years with young players mainly with so many outside influences, but luckily for Marko, he knows exactly what that is. “Especially in my early years, I learned almost everything from my dad. The most important lesson he taught me was that hard work is necessary to develop as a player. He coached me on all aspects of the game, which allows me to play as a guard now, even at 2.02 meters tall. It definitely helps that he was a guard too, as he can pass on his experience to me”, stressed Marko Petric.
Pic Credit: Chiara Greve
Hisis dad played his last pro season with Orange Academy which is where son Marko who lists Michael Jordan as his GOAT began his pro career in the youth sector. It was in this time that he sampled vital first experiences with basketball and even found another basketball mentor besides his dad. “Playing in Ulm against all the talented players was always great competition. Besides my dad, my early mentor was Max Becker in the U10 and U12 teams. During those years, we were very successful. Max helped me enjoy the game and taught me to be a leader and a team player”, remembered Marko Petric. That summer he competed at the FIBA U16 European Championship in Skopje (North Macedonia) averaging 2.3ppg, 1.2rpg. He then took the next step and moved to Vechta. Vechta is known since years as being a top organization in the youth sector. “Vechta was the first time I practiced with a professional team and competed against grown men. That experience helped me learn to read the game better and find solutions against physical players. Off the court, it was a big learning experience too, as it was my first time living on my own”, said Marko Petric. He was a young player that always seemed to play older than his age kind of like Ivan Kharchenkov. Head coach Harm-Ubbo Horst gave him the opportunity to become a major force on the NBBL squad as a 15 year old. “It was a very positive experience to be a starter most of the season among all the other talented and older players, and to earn Habbo’s trust to defend Ivan Kharchenkov in the semifinals. In my second year, he gave me a leading role on another strong team, even though I was still in my “rookie” year in the NBBL”, remembered Marko Petric. He also played 7 Pro A games and made his debut at age 15. In his first NBBL season he averaged 7.3ppg, 2.7rpg, FGP: 38.5%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 70.0% and helped to finally bring the title to Vechta after 2 consecutive final loses. “It was one of the best moments of my life. We worked extremely hard all season to finally win the NBBL title, especially after losing multiple years in a row. It was a huge relief when we pulled it off. It’s hard to pick just one moment, because the whole week after the win was amazing as we celebrated nonstop”, commented Marko Petric. He had the fortune to be teammates with 2 incredible young players with Johan Grunloh and Jack Kayil who didn´t only make an impact on the court. “When I think of Jack and Johann, I first think of how great they are as people. All of us young players looked up to them for what they did on the court, but off the court, they were just like one of us. I believe both of them will play in the NBA someday”, warned Marko Petric. That first season he also had the luck to play at the well known Albert Schweitzer tournament for the German U-17 team that featured coaching legend Dirk Bauermann as the head coach averaging 7,0ppg and 3,5rpg. “As a U17 team, it was a tough tournament where we lost every game. But for me personally, it was a great experience to play against top prospects from around the world while being two years younger than the competition. Dirk Bauermann is the most accomplished German coach ever, and playing for him was an honour. He was tough on us, but overall it was a special experience and I learned a lot”, added Marko Petric. That summer he played at the FIBA U16 EuroBasket in Heraklion (Greece) averaging 8.8ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 21.6%.
Last season the young German who lists Dirk Nowitzki, Dennis Schröder, Franz Wagner, and Andi Obst on his personal German NBA Mount Rushmore played his second season with Vechta and made big strides in the NBBL averaging 16.9ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 58.3%, 3PT: 41.1%, FT: 77.1% where he had a 33 point explosion against Bonn Rhondorf while in the Pro A his minutes rose from 6 to 14. He also had extra experience playing with men playing for SC RASTA Vechta 3rd team (Regionalliga) averaging 12.7ppg, 3.3rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 60.4%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT: 70.6%. He had a 29 point game against Bramsche. “Last season I started getting good minutes in the Pro A. I had the chance to defend the best players at the Pro A level and learned to compete against grown men. What helped me most was getting used to playing in front of big crowds, like in Trier and Hagen”, explained Marko Petric. He surely could of remained in Vechta for a third season, but instead decided to take on a new challenge in Wurzburg with a double license to play BBL and Pro B. He must be taking a bit after his dad with moving around so much as a player. “I felt that moving to Würzburg would be great for my development as a guard. The Baskets offer young players many opportunities to improve individually and within the team. With Sasa and Alex as coaches, I have a lot to learn. I’m never afraid of competition, in fact, it motivates me to assert myself against talented players, and I think we have many great players in Würzburg too”, said Marko Petric. He knows exactly what he wants to achieve in his first year in Wurzburg. “My main goals are to take responsibility on the Pro B team and help us win as many games as possible. In the BBL, I want to earn minutes and have a positive impact every time I step on the court. I also want to further develop my guard skills as I get the chance to play as a guard in the Pro B”, warned Marko Petric. He has needed no adjustment time in the Pro B as he is averaging 10.9ppg,4,8rpg, 2,4apg and 1,3spg. He is playing for ex pro and head coach Alex King who like him played at a high level at a young age in Frankfurt. “With the Pro B team, I’m asked to be a leader on both ends of the floor. Most of the time, I’m guarding the other team’s best player. On offense, I’m expected to create for myself and my teammates. Because I’m very vocal, I also bring a lot of energy and emotion. Working with Alex has been really fun so far. He has a lot of experience from his playing days, and you can learn a lot from him. As a coach, he’s passionate and demands a lot from us, but that’s what we need to improve individually and as a group”, stressed Marko Petric. He also has had his easyCredit BBL debut logging 8 minutes against the MLP Academics Heidelberg and made a free throw. “The best moments were scoring my first point and being on the court with one of my best friends, Noah Koch. I’m thankful for the opportunity to play 8 minutes in my first BBL game. It was a great experience”, said Marko Petric.
Pic credit: FIBA
The 202cm shooting guard who names Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James on his personal NBA Mount Rushmore is a player like with EPG Baskets Koblenz American Tim Smith Jr who compares his game to Boston Celtic Jayson Tatum. “Like him, I’m a tall player who can handle the ball and create my own shot, while also being effective off the ball. Defensively, we’re similar too, as we can both guard multiple positions at a high level”, said Marko Petric. He has shown his Swiss Army qualities since years as doing a bit of everything has always been his strong suit. “Versatility is definitely one of my biggest strengths. I can impact the game even if one aspect isn’t working, whether it’s offense, defense, or something else”, said Marko Petric. Last season he shot a strong 41% from outside in the NBBL while in the Regionalliga shot 27% and currently shooting 31% in the Pro B. “Shooting has always been an important part of my game. Over the last two years, I think I’ve become more consistent with my three-pointer, and my goal this season is to continue building on that progress”, warned Marko Petric. His size and long arms gives him special qualities on the defensive end that helps make an impact not only on the offensive end. “I always want to guard the opposing team’s best player, regardless of position. Since I started playing, I’ve taken pride in my defense. I think I can improve as an off-ball defender, like being better in reading passing lanes and fighting over screens”, stated Marko Petric. He also knows exactly what he has to do to continue to do every day in practice to continue to improve his game. “I’m not focusing on just one area. I want to improve at all levels of the game”, warned Marko Petric. It is always interesting to hear what young players will say when they are asked if their goal is the NBA or Euroleague. American guys will mostly say NBA while German kids will choose the NBA, but many also rather would reach the Euroleague. For him why not both? “Like most players, I dream of making it to the NBA, but I’d also love to experience playing in the EuroLeague because of the incredible fan culture and atmosphere. For now, I’m focused on improving every day and becoming the best version of myself”, stressed Marko Petric.
Bernard Pelote (203-F-2002, college: WCU) is a 23 year old 203cm forward from Georgia playing his rookie season overseas with German Pro A team Tigers Tuebingen averaging 15,8ppg and 4,6rpg. He began his basketball career with Woodville-Tompkins High School. He then played 2 seasons at Catawba College (NCAA2) averaging 7.4ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 40.8%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 76.2% and 13.7ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.1apg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 78.9%. He then palyed 3 seasons with Western Carolina University (NCAA) averaging 5.5ppg, 3.2rpg, FGP: 58.1%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 61.5%, 6.9ppg, 4.5rpg, FGP: 61.0%, 3PT: 35.0%, FT: 80.0% and in his last season averaged 13.8ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 48.2%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 70.3%. He spoke to germanhoops.com last summer about basketball.
Thanks Bernard for talking to Germanhoops.com. How blessed do you feel to play overseas? Not many guys who played in the NCAA 2 get this opportunity?
I’m just thankful to be in this position to keep pursuing my dream because everyone don’t get this opportunity to play professionally so I’m just excited and hungry to turn my dream into reality.
What do you know in general about the country Germany and it´s basketball? I don’t know much about Germany from a basketball standpoint but I heard that it is very physical and fundamentally sound type of basketball.
Have you ever had ex teammates, opponents or friends play in Germany? Did you get feedback from your coach Justin Gray? Coach Justin Gray basically told me that it is physical and fundamental and you have to be willing to play and flourish in your role.
I´m sure you did some research on the Tigers Tuebingen. What stood out the most about this organization? I like how engaged the fans are with The Tigers Tuebingen Organization. I love playing somewhere where the fans want us to be successful as bas as we want to be successful.
How did the talks go with head coach Henrik Sonko. He told you that he wants the team to play like a family. What else was appealing about his basketball philosophy? One of the factors that was also appealing to me about Coach Henrik Sonko is that he was looking for me to basically play my game. We both feel like my game matches his philosophy. I just have to go out on the court and play the same way I’ve been playing and of course keep growing and learning more efficient ways to make easier for me and my teammates as well.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 203cm power forward. If you had to describe your game to a NBA player, who would best fit the description? From a NBA Standpoint I would compare myself to a guy like PJ Washington. A guy that rebounds defensively and offensively, plays defense and can stretch the floor out on the offense of side with my ability to shoot.
Would it be fair to say that you’re a modern day big man? How valuable is versatility in your game? I wouldn’t really say I’m a big man. I’m whatever the coach needs me to be in order for us to be successful. My versatility place huge role game because I feel like you can put me anywhere on the court and I will still produce.
You have had a solid three pointer in the last 2 years. How would you rate your development in the lasty ears? What is your goal as a rookie with your shot?
With my Development, I just had to trust the process and stay in the gym and keep working. For me it was never a matter of “will it happen”, instead it was more so “when it will happen”. My goal as a rookie is to establish myself and gain respect from my teammates and the league we are in with my style of play and how I perform night in and night out.
I saw a thunderous alley-oop dunk from you against Citadel. Are you a type of guy that can give your team instant energy with dunks? Yeah I´m type of guy to make highlight plays. I can’t wait to get my first one in a Tigers Uniform !!
Talk a little about your defensive game. What kind of a defender are you at the moment and what kind of a defender do you want to become in the next few years?
Defensively I feel like I am a solid defender but of course there is always room to grow. I feel like I have to grow in the area of being in passing lines a bit more.
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game? I’m working on not being one dimensional and being unpredictable.
You played 2 seasons at Catawba College (NCAA2) averaging 7.4ppg, 3.3rpg, FGP: 40.8%, 3PT: 31.6%, FT: 76.2% and 13.7ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.1apg, 1.7bpg, FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 78.9%. You made big strides in your game in your second year. How vital was head coach Rob Perron for your early basketball development? Playing for Coach Rob Perron was fun. He gave me a chance to grow and adapt to playing in college. He gave me a chance to play through my mistakes as a freshman.
You had huge games against Anderson, Limestone twice and UVA Wise just to name a few. What was your fondest moment there?
Playing against those teams were great because in those particular games my teams trusted me to knock down shots and make plays to put us in position to win.
You then played 3 years at Western Carolina University (NCAA) playing 91 games and in your lasty ear averaged 13.8ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 48.2%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 70.3%. How did your game grow in these 3 years?
Being at western Carolina really helped my game and gave me a chance to compete at the division 1 level. Over the course of three years I got the chance to become an overall better player because I was to adapt and grow mentally and physically to perform well against the teams I was playing against. I feel like my first year was like a test to see if I was ready for the division 1 level and the 2nd and third was a lot being able to produce and put my team in good situations to win every time we played.
You had big games against Citadel and Milligan. What was your fondest moment on the court in the NCAA? My fondest moment at Western Carolina was my Junior when we beat Vanderbilt University because they are a power 5 school and too go in there in a hostile environment and take care of business was very fun. I feel like those are the moments you live for as an athlete.
How did head coach Justin Gray groom and prepare you best for a professional career? Coach Justin Gray´s system and how he coached is very professional. He always kept it pretty simple. He made me look at basketball as my job. He had standards that we had to uphold and I had to come with it everyday in practice and show up at games.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Collin Granger? I beat Collin Granger a lot of times in 1v1.
Who is the toughest player that you ever battled that reached the NBA?
Kam Jones or Chaz Lanier
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
I don’t really have just 5 best teammates of all time because I feel like a lot of my teammates in the past played a significant role to my success.
Please list your personal NBA, German and Serbian Mount Rushmore of 4 best players of all-time? Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant
Who is your GOAT?
My goat is Michael Jordan but my favorite player is Kawhi Leonard because he keeps it simple and he is very efficient.
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?
I saw the movie and I actually liked it, I feel like it always good when you can come out with sequels to movies that was made a long time ago.
Recently I was really happy to see a news on eurobasket.com saying that Will Cherry (185-PG-1991, college: Montana) had signed in France with JL Bourg en Bresse. The ex NBA player had been off my radar a bit the last few years simply because he hadn´t played in Europe, but moreover in Iran, Egypt and Venezuela. He had played for 3 organizations in Germany starting with Alba Berlin in 2015 and then after reaching the Euroleague, he came back to Germany years later to play for the Skyliners and MHP Riesen. He played in the easyCredit BBL at a time where he battled against real legends like Rickey Paulding, Quantez Robertson and John Bryant and many more. Unfortunately many of those BBL legends have retired, but he still has real nice memories playing with and against those guys. “Back then I was on my younger side when I played again st them especially when I was with Alba Berlin. All three of those guys were a real staple in the league back in the day. It is funny now being back in Germany to play and I´m more of an elder statesman. I´ll be 35 in a few weeks and I´m slowly knocking on the door”, stressed Will Cherry.
I reach Will Cherry on a Monday night just as he had settled into his hotel in Chemnitz on the eve of a big Eurocup game against the Niners Chemnitz. He last played in Germany for the MHP Riesen in the 2022-2023 season and in the last years stayed away from Europe. “It was good for me to get into different markets. I wanted to explore and see some other things and I saw that they had more to offer. Basketball is universal and many guys are testing new markets”, said Will Cherry. He is more than delighted to be back in a top league in Europe with the Pro A France. “It feels good to be back. We have a great team and are the top team in the Eurocup. This is an amazing organization, It is run top notch from top to bottom. The organization is well organized and all have been real nice. I don´t have to worry about anything except playing. This is one of the best organizations that I have ever played for. I couldn´t have asked for a better situation”, warned Will Cherry. The team is fighting for a good playoff spot and have shown just how dangerous they are in the Eurocup. “I think that a big strength of ours is simply that everyone likes each other. The coaching staff is very professional and every player is hard-nosed, unselfish and all have one common goal which is too win”, stated Will Cherry. The club has no real superstar, but a collection of players that are all hungry to make the next step. “We have many great players and everyone is working together to be the best. All are big into winning and everyone knows that not just one guy can get the job done, but everyone together”, stated Will Cherry. One talented player on the team is American Darius Mcghee who had a great season in Germany last season having a 44 and 40 point games in the easyCredit BBL. Is Cherry like a mentor to him? “He is a great player and isn´t overbearing. I try to give in my 2 cents to help. When I say something here and there, I know he listens. This cat definitely knows basketball and he just goes with trial and error”, added Will Cherry. He even had a very nice reunion in his first Pro A game as he fought ex Skyliner teammate Len Schoormann who led Nantere to the 101-93 win with 22 points. “Len had a great game and was knocking down shots left and right. I was really excited to see him play so well. You could see that he has worked hard on his game the last years. He has a bright future”, warned Will Cherry.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber and Will Cherry in Frankfurt in 2022
The Oakland California native has only been with Bourg a very short time and is averaging 18 minutes in the France Pro A and 12,5 minutes in the Eurocup. He hasn´t been there long enough to have a defined role yet. “I honestly don´t know my role yet. I´m a leader as always, but have only played 3 games so far. They are still easing me in. I just got off the plane. I still need to be integrated and learn the plays. I don´t have to be a hero like in Frankfurt. We have so many talented players that there is no pressure on me”, stressed Will Cherry. He played heavy minutes in Iran and Venezuela and playing less minutes hasn´t been a real adjustment for him. “I think that these are different circumstances. We have a deep roster and nobody plays heavy minutes. Playing less minutes is good for me body. The most important thing iis being as effective as possible when I get in”, warned Will Cherry. He will be 35 years soon and does he concentrate on other things more now with his game and body then say 10 years ago? “I´m still a leader. That is automatic and everything is still the same. My job is to win and do whatever I can to help the team be successful”, said Will Cherry.
The ex Olympiacos S.F.P. Piraeus guard played recently with Cocodrilos de Caracas (Venezuela-SPB) averaging: 12.8ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.8apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 30.6%, FT: 80.5%. Playing in South America was another check on his bucket list where he was able to experience many new things on and off the court. “Playing there was a lot of fun. It is a up and down league that is fast paced. Skill-wise it is up there. I was surprised how good the league was and they had some really good players. Europe still has better competition, but I had an amazing time”, stated Will Cherry. There he was teammates with Willie Reed who was in the NBA at the same time as he was. “Willie was an ok dude until he wasn´t. It was cool though seeing a familiar face after coming off an injury. It was nice being able to talk about our time in the NBA and G-League”, remembered Will Cherry. Last season his globetrotting ways continued as he balled with Al Ittihad Alexandria (Egypt-Superleague) where he reached the league final. This may have been his nicest destination since his BBL days especially off the court where he had his family with him. ”Egypt was amazing. I was able to explore a lot with my kids. We visited the pyramids and rode the camels. It was so amazing. I will remember it for a life time”, expressed Will Cherry. In 2023-2024 he played with Shahrdari Gorgan (Iran-Superleague) averaging 19.5ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.7apg, SPG-1 (2.2), FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 29.2%, FT: 73.5% and reached the final. He had great stats. Iran was the perfect place to play for after having been in Europe so long. “Iran was my first experience in the middle east. They treated me with so much love. I always felt safe and was happy. The fan base is up their with clubs like Partizan, and Panathinaikos. The love there was real”, stressed Will Cherry.
Even if he isn´t playing in Germany anymore, he still has a lot of fond memories to his last 2 stations with Ludwigsburg and Frankfurt. The Ludwigsburg team in 2022-2023 was a real good one, but just had misfortune winning a chip. “It was tough losing in the BCL and to Bonn in the playoffs. But we had a good season. At first I didn´t know how I would like it, but I loved it. Stuttgart was also amazing to visit. My teammates were great. Is Yorman Polas-Bartolo really 40 years old. I thought he was 22. Prentis Hubb, Jonathan Dunn and Shon Miller were my guys. We kicked it all the time”, laughed Will Cherry. But he also has very nice memories to his season with Alba Berlin where he helped win the BBL cup that gave fans 2 unforgettable games. “My fondest moment with the German teams was winning the cup in Munich. We took down 2 powerhouses with Frankfurt and Munich with games winners from Jordan Taylor and a floater from Dragan Milosavljevic. Those are amazing memories”, stated Will Cherry. He is getting up in age and the question is how much longer can he still play? How are his wheels feeling? Could he play until 41 like his ex teammate Lebron James? “I don´t know how much longer I will play, but at the moment I have no signs of slowing down. I don´t think that I will play until 41. It would have to depend on the situation”, added Will Cherry. Has Lebron James relentless work ethic helped him play so long? “Leborn James has nothing to do with my longevity. I don´t really care about him or how he has done it. I just do what my body does. Of course it is great to see how long he has played and how he has taken care of his body. If I could spend 1 million dollars on my body, then I could play as long as him. I respect more the guys overseas who have been able to play so long”, stressed Will Cherry. It will be interesting to see how many more years he will play professionally overseas, but one thing for sure is that all he is concerned about right now is his current situation with Bourg. He definitely wants to add on to his 5 career chips with another one with them.
Rayshawn Mart (190-PG-1998, college: Xavier, LA) is a 27 year old 190cm guard form Louisiana playing his fifth professional season and first in Germany with Pro A team BBC Bayreuth averaging 12,5ppg, 2,6rpg and 4,4apg. Last season he played with Coldmaris BBC Nord Dragonz Eisenstadt (Austria-BSL) averaging 15.2ppg, 4.9rpg, Assists-4 (6.0apg), 1.5spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 71.6%. He played the 2023-2024 season with HKK Posusje (Bosnia-Division I) averaging 19.7ppg, 5.8rpg, 3.9apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 60.8%, 3PT: 27.6%, FT: 66.5%. He played his rookie season with Orthodox Bethlehem (Palestine-PBBA). He began his basketball career with Bourqeois high school and then played at Xavier University of Louisiana (NAIA) from 2017-2022 playing a total of 125 NAIA games. He spoke to germanhoops.com last summer about basketball.
Thanks Rayshawn for talking to germanhoops.com. How blessed do you feel as a pro player. Your playing your fourth pro season and came from an NAIA school. Not only don´t many come overseas from the NAIA, but even less play at high levels like you. Do you thank God every day for having the opportunity to live the dream?
I am very blessed to have the opportunity to do what I love for a living. I thank God everyday, and I think this is a testimony to how far hard work can take you.
After a successful season in Austria, how logical was it making the next step to Germany? Have you been following the German leagues since you came overseas? Germany is very respected for their basketball.
The opportunity to go to Germany was a big influence to me signing to the dragons in Austria. After my year in Bosnia, I had a few options but understanding that playing in Austria can open doors for me in Germany motivated me to commit to Austria and have a successful season. I have been watching German leagues my whole college career and I also have close friends who played there so I would often watch to support them.
2 reasons you signed with BBC Bayreuth was because of the organization and it´s fans. Do you feel like you will be able to grow as a player and man with BBC Bayreuth? Yes I think this will be a monumental year in my career. BBC Bayreuth is a well known and respected organization full of great hardworking people. With my work ethic and drive I think I will thrive in this environment with the opportunities they present. I’m also extremely excited to learn from such a respected organization, so these lessons will shape me to not only be a great player but also a great man.
It has been very popular the last years Americans having a great season in Austria to come and play in Germany. Do you feel like you can make the next step in the Pro A and be an impact player?
I feel like I can win a championship in Pro A this year with BBC Bayreuth. I think I bring a lot of things to the table that make programs win. I am also a very versatile player which gives me the flexibility to do whatever is required of me each game to win, whether it’s for me to score, pass, rebound, or even defend. I think I am strong in all of those categories, and I’m also 100 percent devoted to winning and doing what’s best for the team.
How did the talks go with head coach Florian Wedel? What did you appreciate most about his basketball philosophy?
Our conversations went great. I really appreciated his commitment and effort that he already showed in the offseason. He’s already a very smart, and talented coach with much knowledge of the game, so it was impressive and also very appreciated by me to see him still working extremely hard while having those essential skills as a coach.
Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 190cm point guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player who would best fit the description? I think a great comparison to my game right now would be a better playmaking version of Anthony Edwards
How big is versatility a staple in your game? You’re a very good volume rebounder for your size? It’s very essential to my game because I have so many ways to get going. Sometimes if I’m a little out of rhythm offensively, I use things like defense to get a steal and score to get me going, or I get a rebound and push in transition to get going. It’s very important for my game because I feel like I’m not limited as a player having many tools and it allows me to play the right way which is winning basketball.
You never averaged more than 2,8apg in the NAIA and 3,9apg in Bosnia, but last season you averaged 6,0apg in Austria. Did you become more of a playmaker in Austria or did you always have playmaking abilities but didn´t have to use them?
Most of my career I was a playmaking point guard, when I got to college I was just needed to score in order for our team to be successful. After my season in Bosnia, I seen that I had a great scoring year leading the league in points but I wasn’t happy with the overall performance from the team so I studied a lot of film during my offseason and figured out things that I could have done better to help us win more. One thing was focus on play making again because my game draws a lot of attention from help defenders which makes that easy to do as long as you are aware.
You have always been a very ambitious defender. How would you classify yourself right now as a defender and where do you still want to take your defensive game to? I think I am a great defender, but I still have a ton of room for improvement. With more focus and effort I think I can defend at the highest level of basketball. With my versatility I think defense can really be my selling point to play at the highest level possible.
On what areas of your game are you working on right now so you can continue to improve your game? I am always working on shooting the ball better, in a variety of situations Like off the dribble, catch and shoot, and also in screen and roll situations. I also been focusing a lot on the mental aspect of the game studying a lot of my playoff films as well as some film from Bayreuth last season as well to just take that next jump mentally to always be a step ahead and comfortable in any situation on the court.
Last season you played with Coldmaris BBC Nord Dragonz Eisenstadt (Austria-BSL) averaging 15.2ppg, 4.9rpg, Assists-4 (6.0apg), 1.5spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 71.6%. You reached the final losing to Oberwart. What was so special about this team?
I think the way our team was able to handle adversity, and come together during tough times was very special about this team. We had many games through the playoffs when we had comeback victories and that alone shows the grit, effort, determination, and leadership we had as a team which was essential to making it to the finals. #
In the playoffs you played in 2 really exciting series beating Wels and Gmunden. Which series was the tougher one to win?
I think Wels series was tougher just because they had more offensive fire power than Gmunden. Wels played at a high intensity for the whole game, as well as playing fast and looking for early offense. That made them the tougher opponent due to the runs they were capable of going on if we lost focus for even just a 2 minute spurt of the game.
You had an incredible triple double against Graz. How special will that game always be in your memories?
It was very special to me to see my work come together. What also made it more special was it being against a guy who is from my college town who I got to play against and train with before turning pro. I think it will be high in the ranks as one of my favorite moments but I also think many more games like that will come.
You played your second season overseas with HKK Posusje (Bosnia-Division I) averaging 19.7ppg), 5.8rpg, 3.9apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 60.8%, 3PT: 27.6%, FT: 66.5%. How do you remember this season? You wasted no time becoming an elite player in Bosnia. I think this was an important part of my career. I learned a lot about basketball playing in Bosnia. Starting out, I was very talented and relied on being my talent and athleticism, but they taught me how to read the game and use more of my mind to dominate.
You played your first 2 seasons with Orthodox Bethlehem (Palestine-PBBA) and Orthodoxi Beit Sahour (Palestine-PBBA). What do you remember being your wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from home?
I was very excited but I also was very nervous as well. Ultimately the nervousness drove me to work very hard and win a championship there.
What memories will you always have of Palestine? What was the coolest experience off the court? Were you invited to some cool parties in palaces? The love that I got from the people there was amazing. I think the coolest experience I had was seeing Jesus birth place in Bethlehem.
You played 5 seasons and 125 games with Xavier University of Louisiana (NAIA). You won 2 GCAC titles in 2020 and 2021. Which title was sweeter?
I think the first one was the sweetest because that year really taught me how to win. It taught me the sacrifice necessary and standard of work required everyday to do that. We also had maybe one of the best teams every at Xavier that year, so it is by far my favorite season there. Practices was a constant battle and we had a group of guys who all were committed to helping the team when their number was called.
You made strides with your game each season and had big seasons in your last 2 seasons. How did your game grow there?
I think at Xavier, I got the opportunity to really get a lot of game experience and I had a big role since I got there as a freshman. That responsibility alone shaped me to be a great player. Originally I chose Xavier due to academics to become a doctor so when basketball started to workout, it made me really well rounded and I felt I had so much time which made it easy to invest in my game when I made the transition to become a pro.
You had many 30 plus points including against Texas College and Tougaloo just to name a few. What was your favorite game in the NAIA?
My favorite game would be the conference Tournament championship game against Tougaloo. Just knowing the adversity that was overcame in that game makes it my favorite. It has a lot to do with the player I am today.
How did head coach Alfred Williams groom and prepare you best for a professional career?
Coach Aj is super disciplined and hardworking. All through my college career we practiced 5-6 days out of the week at 5:30 every morning. Having to be on the floor starting our stretches at 5:15 by the latest so that means we had to get to the gym at 5 am. Things like that within his program really helped me value my time more, learn more and prioritize my work properly to be successful on the court and also as a young man.
Who won a 1-1 in practice you or TJ Jones? Me, maybe TJ beat me one time after a long day of practice haha.
Who is the toughest player that you ever battled against on the court that reached the NBA? It’s a tie between Mike James and Lamar Peters
Please list your 5 best teammates of all-time? Ed Carter, Will Loyd, Chance Gasery, Aj Rainey, Kevin Johnson
Please name your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present heads? Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Shaq, LeBron James, Steph Curry
Who is your GOAT? Kobe Bryant
Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone? Yes, I think it was a good film but I also watched it with the expectations of it not having a chance to be better than the first one
Matthew Goodwin (188-PG-2005) is a 20 year old 188cm point guard currently playing for the London Lions (SLB). He began his basketball career with the Manchester Magic playing for their U-19 team averaging 16.7ppg, 5.6rpg, APG-3 (6.5), 2.5spg, FGP: 35.1%, 3PT: 29.9%, FT: 77.8% while also playing 6 BBL games. Last season he moved to the London Lions playing 27 games and averaging 1,0ppg. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Eurocup game against the Niners Chemnitz.
Thanks Matthew for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your second season with the London Lions (SLB). What kind of an experience has it been for you? What have you enjoyed most about it? It has been nothing but a positive experience. I have learnt so much and improved so much at such a rapid rate I have enjoyed the challenge the most. Playing against older and stronger players is going to be difficult but it has been fun competing against them and I love a challenge
Your playing a Eurocup game against German team Chemnitz. How have you followed German basketball the last years? Is there a German player that has really stood out to you? I haven’t watched much German basketball if I’m being completely honest. I tend to watch Euroleague and Eurocup the most
The London Lions are having a great season in the SLB. How big is the hunger to win titles with this great organization?
The hunger is always there. The lions has had an incredible history of winning titles and it’s almost our duty as players to keep adding to the silverware
Currently the club is a top the SLB. What has been the secret to the success?
The secret is defense. Always has been and always will be. Our team´s ability to limit shots but also to make shots difficult has made our lives a lot easier on the offensive end. Our defense fuels our offense
What has it been like playing with such talented guards like ex NBA player Chasson Randle and Shaver Reynolds? What have you soaked up most from those 2 on and off the court?
Those 2 and loads others have been amazing role models. They show me loads of details on the floor and help me with my game. But further they show me what it takes to be a professional. Taking care of your body with recovery. Eating the right food. How to be a good husband. They have impacted me on and off the floor
There are many great UK players on the team as well with Williams, Rai and Sandy just to name a few? Which player has had the biggest impact on you? Tarik Philip is the biggest impact. He shows so much interest into helping me get better and improving my game. He’s honest with me and firm but at the same time caring. He’s been a massive help
What has it been like playing for Tautvydas Sabonas? How has he helped shape you to be the player that you are today? He’s intense let’s be honest. But that has brought the best out of me. He has made me be more hungry and more aggressive and proved I can do things I never thought I was capable of. He has brought out a side of me I didn’t know I had and it’s such a positive result
Let´s talk about your game. You have had sparse minutes last season and this season. How tough is the battle on a daily basis to get playing time for the Lions? It’s a constant battle. You have to be almost perfect daily. And the people I´m competing with for minutes are Ex NBA players and some of the best UK talent so it is very difficult but like I said I love a challenge
You’re a 188cm guard that fills the stat sheet well. If you had to compare your game to an NBA or Euroleague player who would best fit the description?
I’d have to say Alex Caruso. Plays his role well. Plays solid defense and makes the right read. Hits an open shot if he has it and if in doubt can go ISO ball with a mismatch
You’re a guard that fills the stats sheet really well. Talk about your offensive game. What are your biggest strengths?
I’d say my biggest strength is shooting from behind the arc. Whether it’s a spot up 3 or a off the dribble 3. I’ve been missing a few in game recently but I know I can make the because I was last season in SLB
Your three pointer is still a work in progress. Talk a little bit about the development of your three pointer. What kind of a shooter are you now and where do you want to be in the next years? Like I said I’m missing a few as of now. But I hope to become a 40-45% three point shooter. A threat on the catch and shoot and the pull up
Your also an ambitious defender. Talk a little about your defensive game. What kind of a defender are you now and what kind of a defender do you still want to become? I think I’m a little nuisance. Out there to cause havoc and create a problem for the offense by being physical and disciplined. I want to become a sound defender. I want to be the guy you put out there to stop there best player
On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?
I want to improve my point guard skills. Reading the game quicker and understanding what to do when in terms of running plays
You began your basketball career with the Manchester Magic (NBL D2) How valuable were these early years for your basketball development? Did you have a mentor there? Massively important. The foundations of my game were learnt there. I had loads of Coaches in Manchester, each of them providing something. Joe Forber, Sergio Lara Bercial, Will Brown and Peter Pareskeva are to name a few
You made a big jump in your game with the Manchester Magic Academy U19 team (U19 League) averaging 16.7ppg, 5.6rpg, APG-3 (6.5), 2.5spg, FGP: 35.1%, 3PT: 29.9%, FT: 77.8% in your last year. How did your game grow there? It grew quickly. Teams were quick to learn that I could score so they adapted rapidly to forcing the ball out of my hands with a double team or Box and 1 defense. So it made me learn how to deal with such defense. But also gave me confidence to be more aggressive
You got your first BBL experience with the Magic. What do you remember from your first game in the BBL? Technically my first BBL game was against Cheshire Phoenix with Manchester Magic in a Pre season match up. I hit a corner 3 and the crowd went wild!! I was only 16 so they were all happy to see me succeed
Last season you were teammates with experienced TU Holloway. What memories will you always have learning from a veteran like him? What could you soak up most from his game? He is a veteran! He understands the game so well and has mastered his craft. His ability to get a bucket is like nothing I’ve ever seen. He taught me so much about how to use my body to create space and how to read defense quicker and better
You also have played for the UK U-18 and U-20 national teams. How is the state of British basketball at the moment? What young players are to watch in the next few years? British basketball in my eyes is on the mend and will be getting much better soon
What is your biggest goal as a player? Is the Euroleague a realistic goal for you or do you have another big goal? I think having an unrealistic goal is the entire point. So if you do reach your goal, you have reached a level no one thought you could. And if you fail you’ll end up higher than those who set a fixed goal. My goal is always Euroleague/NBA and always will be. Will I get there? I’m not sure but I’m putting in the work daily in order to get there
Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in your life on the court that reached the NBA or Euroleague? I’d have to say Ray Mcallum. He practiced with us for a little bit last season while he was in London. And he was such a creative and smart player and was always able to manipulate you to get what he wants
Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?
In no particular order. And this is in terms of teammates who are nice people and how they treated me
Ryan Mikesell
Sean Flood
Evan Walshe
Tarik Philip
Joel Scott
Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of UK and NBA players?
UK
Luol Deng. Dan Clarke. Gabe Olaseni. Quin Ellis
NBA
LeBron James. Michael Jordan. Kobe Bryant. Kareem Abdul Jabbar
German Hoops 