It only seems like yesterday that a boyish, tall, inexperienced lanky 17 year old RRobin Benzing (209-SF-89) played his first season with second Bundesliga club TV Langen. The year was 2006 as he was already displaying his talent with American teammate Ty Shaw who now coaches that team or Igor Starcevic who know coaches PRO B team Licher Basket Baeren. Benzing developed nicely in Langen the first two seasons and then really exploded in his third year 2008-2009 where put up 18,7ppg, 4,4rpg, 1,1apg, 1,0spg and 1,1bpg and was also playing with the big boys with the Deutsche Bank Skyliners 15 kilometers north in Frankfurt and was dreaming of the Beko BBL. He had a game that looked like that of German national player Jan Jagla, but in appearance looked totally different with his short cut army type haircut and looked like the friendly kid next door. He had the height of a power forward, but could play like a small forward that would create numerous mismatches during games. He could already hurt you with his shot at a young age and penetrate like a mal nourished bear as he demonstrated during the 2009 European championships in Poland putting up sweet stats without ever having played a game in the Beko BBL. Many Frankfurt fans had hoped that he might make the jump to the Deutsche Bank Skyliners, but instead went south to ratiopharm Ulm where D league head coach Mike Taylor of the Maine Red Claws gave him freedom and sufficient playing time and was able to develop further. Benzing was top German scorer in the 2010-2011 season with 15,1ppg. After that potent season, it was only obvious that he would make the next step and did moving to famous German name team FC Bayern Munich. In his first season, his production slipped dramatically, but he was packed into a stronger and deeper roster. However he seemed to have received some fortune with the move bringing legendary head coach Svetislav Pesic to the Isar as he has improved and been in the starting lineup and there is no more talk about his development stalling, but he now seems headed into becoming a leading player in a club staked with top American players. His potential is unending and talk of getting to the NBA is present again. Benzing returned back to Frankfurt with Bayern Munich after losing last season there with FC Bayern Munich for a fourth time and led the most famous German team in Germany to a 73-59 victory. That Benzing is a much liked player there is no surprise. I coached Robin in the Hessen team when he was 15 and in the A-2 German national team. I said many years ago that he has much potential and was a bit surprised that he wasnt drafted. What I like about his game that he is never afraid and has that killer instinct. I see him making the NBA. In Treviso where top players play for a chance for the NBA, he was over motivated. In Treviso, it can be tough for a player to get noticed since the play is so crazy as it is difficult to observe the strength of a player. He didnt shoot so well in Treviso which hurt his rating. Robin shoots so well for his height at the position three. He really has the right head on his shoulder. His summer program helped him a lot get more self confidence and I think that he has made a big step in the last months. The arrival of Pesic has helped him as he has more confidence and gets the green light. Pesic is perfect coach for him as he will improve and gain more experience, stressed basketball expert Steven Clauss. Benzing finished the game with a team high 21 points and eight rebounds on six for nine shooting in 30 minutes. After the win Benzing was humble and taking his performance in stride like a real professional. I really looked forward to this game since I am from here and my family was here, but I was concentrated on my work and the win was most important. My teammates found me and I hit my shots. But this was a team win, stressed RRobin Benzing. Fraport Skyliner Ted Scott was impressed with the German national player. I liked the game of Benzing. He played a heck of a game made his shots and could also put it to the floor. I am sure if he could find the right system that he could bring it in the NBA, stressed Ted Scott. It is no secret that Benzing is a new player under head coach Svetislav Pesic. I am playing a lot better under Pesic. I think my game suits his system. But I think as a whole, the whole team is playing better under Pesic not only me, added RRobin Benzing,
FC Bayern Munich came into the game riding on a four game winning streak and had impressively averaged 109 points in those four wins. With only having scored 36 points at halftime, it was rather apparent that the team wouldnt be able to reach that whopping average, but in the end trends are to be broken and a win is a win no matter if you score 123 points or only 73 points. We arent Bamberg that can come in here and all are afraid and they depart with a 20 point win. After the win FC Bayern Munich sport director Marko Pesic didnt smile, but had a serious demeanour and one could sense that he was relieved that they won. We didnt go into the game with the right intensity. Frankfurt never gave up and didnt make it easy for us. We played good defense and that is why we won. In the past we would have lost games like this, so this was a very important win for us, warned FC Bayern sport director Marko Pesic. Lasts eason, FC Bayern Munich stunk up the Fraport arena losing and fleeing from the arena wanting to forget the embarrassment as quickly as possible. For the players that remained from last season, there was a huge revenge factor on their minds. That was a tough loss last season. We didnt want to lose here again like that. It was important to remember that loss, but not too much, added Marko Pesic. This season is different than last season. I didnt have that revenge factor on my mind. A win is a win and it is important to keep the confidence on the road, stressed Iowa native Jared Homan. After averaging giving up 86 points in the last five games, but averaging scoring 109 points in the last four games, FC Bayern Munich did a role reversal with their offense and defense and made an important experience that will help them for the future. This was a good win. It was good not too win by 30 points or make more than a 100 points. We werent hitting our shots so we had to rely on defense. We learned today that if we defend well and play average offense that we can still win, warned Iowa native Jared Homan.
The Fraport Skyliners entered the game with a lot of momentum after their big win 72 hours earlier against BBC Bayreuth. With the Fraport Skyliners resting in 16th place and every win as necessary as it is for the LTi Giessen 46ers for the fight to stay in the league, the team had a tough opponent with FC Bayern Munich and played well, but just couldnt keep the level of the opponent for 40 minutes or match their talent level. We had a good first half sticking with them, but they came out with even more intensity in the second half and just wore us down using their size and we couldnt keep up. It wasnt like they had one big man like BBC Bayreuth did, but they had four big men. They just knew how to use their size and it took a toll on us. It gets tring going against a Homan or Troutman who goes so hard on every play. We also didnt have some plays go in our favor" stressed Fraport Skyliner guard Dawan Robinson. Even if the Fraport Skyliners seemed to get tired in the second half, they continued to give their all one trait that has never eluded the team this season. We fought fought and fought, but in the end were unable to make the little plays. They capitalized on it on offense and defense. They defended very well and took us out of our rhythm, added Fraport Skyliner guard Devin Gibson.
It isnt only in soccer that wherever FC Bayern Munich is that there is a full house, but also in the Beko BBL. 5,002 people wanted to see the game and didnt see a quick run by FC Bayern Munich, but a very exciting and pretty even game in the first half. Ted Scott got the Fraport Sklyiners on the board first with his patent quick release from his holster and burying a three pointer. FC Bayern Munich center Jared Homan responded with a dunk after freeing himself from Zach Peacock and getting a nifty pass from Tyrese Rice. Peacock then got going hitting a mid distance shot and getting down the floor like a 100 meter sprinter and catching the opponent napping getting an easy lay up as FC Bayern Munich trailed 7-4. The Fraport Skyliners continued to be in a special basketball offense trance as they were hitting on a consistent rate. Quantez Robertson split the defense making a reverse lay up and Devin Gibson then found Ted Scott running the floor and f ed him for the dunk as the Fraport Skyliners led 11-6. The Fraport Skyliners were playing very intelligent knowing when to make the game fast and playing hard nosed defense as Munich was still looking for their rhythm. RRobin Benzing kept FC Bayern Munich in the game with an open jumper, but Ted Scott connected with a three pointer over Benzing as the Fraport Skyliners led 14-9. RRobin Benzing continued to have the soft touch as he drilled another three pointer this time over Dion Dowell as FC Bayern Munich trailed 14-13. Dowell then connected for a three pointer, but it was Benzing again hitting his third three pointer of the game as FC Bayern Munich led 18-17 after one quarter. Frankfurt was playing good defense, rebounding well and eliminating second chances. Frankfurt also did a good job getting out on the fast break. They also tried to get Zach Peacock going early which worked, stressed ex Bradley forward Taylor Brown. FC Bayern Munich was shooting 33% from the field and 50% from outside while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 37% from the field and 30% from outside. FC Bayern Munich led the rebound duel 12-9, but had three turnovers while Frankfurt had one turnover.
In the second quarter, the game continued to be dominated by defense as scoring presented a problem especially for FC Bayern Munich who had been scoring so at ease in the last four games averaging 109 points per game. After only coughing up the ball one time in the first quarter, The Fraport Skyliners registered eight turnovers in the second quarter as FC Bayern Munich upped their defense. Chevon Troutman who reached three NCAA Sweet 16 games with Pittsburgh open the scoring with a lay in as FC Bayern Munich led 20-17. Quantez Robertson then tested his 29% three point shooting percentage dropping a big three pointer dead locking the game at 20-20. Troutman then scored again inside and Peacock made a beautiful spin move on the base line around Benzing as the Fraport Skyliners got the lead back 23-22. FC Bayern Munich then went on a mini 4-0 run continuing to power the ball inside as Troutman got his third lay in and Homan battled for the offensive rebound and registered a put back as FC Bayern Munich led 26-23. Peacock continued to be in the zone scoring inside getting fed perfectly from Robinson as the game was tied again at 26-26. Scott then beat Yotam Halperin one on one giving Frankfurt the 29-28 advantage. It didnt take the veteran of 140 Euroleague games make good of his mistake on Scott as he connected on a three pointer as FC Bayern led 31-29. Peacock then hit two free throws as the game was knotted 31-31. With a minute to go, FC Bayern capitalized on a Dowell miss and Gibson turnover as 2008 ULEB cup winner Jan Jagla nailed a three pointer and Benzing made a tip in as FC Bayern Munich led 36-31. Munich started to hit three pointers and got more second chances. We missed more shots and didnt get as many shots up. We needed to get out quicker on the shooters and know where they were, but Frankfurt wasnt doing that, stressed Taylor Brown. FC Bayern Munich was shooting 35% from the field and 42% from the three point line while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting 44% from the field and 36% from the three point line. Frankfurt still trailed on the boards 22-14 and had nine turnovers while FC Bayern Munich had six turnovers.
In the third quarter FC Bayern Munich came out with more intensity than the Fraport Skyliners and were rewarded with a 7-2 run as they led 43-33. The positive thing about FC Bayern Munich is that even if a RRobin Benzing is hot and their inside players Homan and Troutman are scalding, then there are still other guys that will produce as did Brandon Thomas who played at Umass with ex Bonn forward Tony Gaffney. Thomas was very active on offense scoring inside and hitting a three pointer. Jared Homan also scored as he battled for position got the ball and threw the ball hard into the basket like an angry farmer throwing a spoiled corn on the cob into a barrel after a down pour. Scott interrupted the run with a pretty runner of the glass. Despite the Munich run and momentary momentum, it didnt hinder Frankfurt from sneaking on a 5-0 run to cut the Munich lead to 43-38. Frankfurt played aggressive defense in this run forcing FC Bayern Munich to three consecutive turnovers and Robertson and captain Marius Nolte scoring. However, FC Bayern Munich was able to halt this run and close out the third quarter with a 13-5 run to lead comfortably 56-43 after three quarters. In the run, FC Bayern Munich got good production from many players as Brandon Thomas dunked furiously over Dowell, Benzing and Halperin nailed three pointers and Steffan Hamann made free throws FC Bayern Munich led 56-43. We didnt have the same intensity on defense as in the first half. We had break downs in our execution on offense. We let them get too many transition buckets and second chances, stressed Ted Scott. FC Bayern Munich was shooting 48% from the two point area and 25% from the parking lot while the Fraport Skyliners were shooting34% from the two point area and 50% from the parking lot. Munich still had the rebound edge 31-23 and 12 turnovers while Frankfurt had 13 turnovers.
The Fraport Skyliners didnt throw in the towel yet as they struck back with a huge 8-2 run to cut the FC Bayern Munich lead to 58-51 as there still seemed to be hope in the Fraport arena for the 2004 Beko BBL champion. Devin Gibson hit a pull up jumper, Dowell from downtown and Robertson from the parking lot. However instead of keeping the run going and getting consistent stops on defense, they allowed FC Bayern Munich to go on a 6-0 run to up their lead to 64-51. Benzing who had hurt Frankfurt all night long with his outside shooting open up his trick basket and pull out his other strength the penetration as he scored with his quick first step with his left hand. Rice also showed how quick he can find the open space in the lane scoring. If Benzing and Homan had hit their free throws better than they would have led by more. After Robertson scored inside to cut the FC Bayern Munich lead to 64-53 it was Rice again drawing a foul and hitting free thorws for the 66-53 lead. Dawan Robinson gave the Fraport Skyliners one last gasp of hope nailing consecutive three pointers as Frankfurt trailed 67-59, but time was running out and Tyrese Rice closed out the game with a own 6-0 run making two shots and free throws as FC Bayern Munich won their fifth in a row 73-59. We did too little too late in the fourth quarter. Despite our run, they controlled the pace. We played with desperation, added Dawan Robinson.
FC Bayern Munich was led by RRobin Benzing with 21 points. Tyrese Rice added 14 points and five assists. The Fraport Skyliners were led by Zach Peacock with 15 points. Quantez Robertson added 14 points and Ted Scott 12 points. The Fraport Skyliners shot only 39% from the field and 31% from outside while FC Bayern Munich was solid at 40% from the field and 42% from outside. FC Bayern Munich dominated the boards 43-28. It wasnt a finesse game, but a physical game. We got tired and just didnt bring the intensity that we should have on the rebound, added Ted Scott. There was one positive aspect to the loss for the Fraport Skyliners. We fought and never gave up. We really showed a lot of desire to win, stressed Dawan Robinson. For FC Bayern Munich it was the fifth win in a row and it is clear that head coach Svetislav Pesic has been a big reason for the stellar play of the club. The atmosphere is a lot different with Pesic. He knows when to be serious and when to laugh. We know what to do on the court so we just do it and it has worked, warned Jared Homan. My dad has found the roles for all the players. The players have understood that and transformed it into the plays on the court, stressed Marko Pesic.
Richard Williams(178-PG-87, college: San Diego St.) is a 25 year old 178cm guard that played for SC Rasta Vechta this season and is sitting in the Pro A finals against the Duesseldorf Baskets. He is a very fast guard that can play either one or two. Great at pushing the break. Can score by shooting the three or using his explosiveness to beat his man. Gets to the basket and scores in traffic. A specialist in steals that uses his quickness to intimidate on defense [read more]
Richard Williams (178-PG-87, college: San Diego St.) is a 25 year old 178cm guard that played for SC Rasta Vechta this season and is sitting in the Pro A finals against the Duesseldorf Baskets. He is a very fast guard that can play either one or two. Great at pushing the break. Can score by shooting the three or using his explosiveness to beat his man. Gets to the basket and scores in traffic. A specialist in steals that uses his quickness to intimidate on defense. Great ball control. Gets the whole team involved when playing the point but can takeover a game at any time. He started his basketball career at San Diego St. (NCAA) in 2005 where he played until 2009. In his senior year he played 36 games: 7.2ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.5apg, 2.1spg, FGP: 40.9%, 3Pts: 37.5%, FT: 64.2%. In 2009-2010, he started his professional basketball career for The San Diego Surf (ABA), in Jan.'10 moved to FSU Selfoss (Iceland-Express League, starting five): 8 games: 27.5ppg, 8.1rpg, 3.4apg, 2.8spg, FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 46.2%, FT: 72.7%. Last season he played for UBC Hannover Tigers (Germany-ProB, starting five): 33 games: 18.3ppg, 5.1rpg, Assists-4 (5.7apg), Steals-2 (3.2spg), FGP: 48.1%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 75.8%. He spoke to eurobasket after beating Duesseldorf and winning the Pro A title.
Congrats on winning the 2013 Pro A title. How proud are you of the team that they pulled it out despite not having you in the lineup?
Very proud and I expected it. They've done it before against Gottingen at home and in Karlsruhe in the second half of the season. It was never a one man show this season
How tough was it not playing. When did you find out that you wouldnt play and why didnt you play?
It's the worst feeling ever. We put our blood, sweat and tears into what we do to play for moments like this and to not be apart it sucks.
Remembering winning this Pro A title will not be difficult, but what about the scores of the two final games were 84-78. Do you think anyone will ever remember these identical scores in 10 years or will that Pro A title always stick in the minds?
No way, being crowned champion means a lot more than the exact score of the game.
Was the quick start where SC Rasta Vechta led 30-16 the stepping stone of getting the 84-78 win? Definitely. Dusseldorf rallied back in the second half but in the whole they created was too much for them to rebound from.
What was key in getting the two wins in the Duesseldorf Baskets series?
I would say "I believe you". Being champions is a goal that every team strives to achieve. The actual belief, confidence, hard work and togetherness is what separates teams from others in making that dream happen.
How vital was the work of head coach Pat Elze? What was his strongest suit in leading the team to the Beko BBL? He's a players coach. He never lost confidence in us even when we started the season 0-3. Trust and confidence in your players goes a long way when coaching a team and he exemplified that all season long
SC Rasta Vechta will play in the Beko BBL. Hpw good are the odds that you will be playing against the Artland Dragons this coming season with SC Rasta Vechta?
I believe that we have a good chance. By no means am I saying we're better than the Artland Dragons but we can definitely compete and give them a run for their money.
How did your game develop in your second season as a professional? Do you think you can make the next step to the Beko BBL and be a force in the best basketball league in Germany?
I pride myself in working the hardest and winning. I've never been the strongest, best shooter, highest jumper but I feel I have great leadership skills, a fighting spirit and I will my teams to win. The BBL is for sure a different level of competition but I know I will be ready to make noise in the league next year. Being ready is never an issue.
Who was the unsung hero of SC Rasta Vechta this season?
The Unsung hero for me is Jacob Doerkson. Dude is a work horse and by far the craftiest player I've played. He posts hard, always aware of where he is on the court and he just makes things happen. The things he does you wont see on the stat sheet.
What will be the first thing that you will do when you touchdown in the States? I will land in San Diego and head straight to the Taco shop to get a Carne Asada Burrito!
Which two NBA teams will reach the final and will the Miami Heat win again?
I think the Spurs will meet Miami in the finals but Miami will win it again
After you watch any given sunday, were you positive that SC Rasta Vechta would win the Pro A title? Any Given Sunday gets me super hyped! Al Pacino gives one of the greatest pre-game speeches ever. After that I truly believed great things would happen
German A-2 head coach Mathias Fischer announced his 15 man roster that will have a training session from June 3rd until the 10th at Kienbaum in preparation for the universal games in Kasan, Russia. The German elected the following players:
Anthony Canty (Eisbren Bremerhaven), Bastian Doreth (TBB Trier), Till-Joscha Jonke (BG Illertal-Weienhorn/ratiopharrm Ulm), Konstantin Klein (187-PG-91, agency: LUMANI 10 [read more]
German A-2 head coach Mathias Fischer announced his 15 man roster that will have a training session from June 3rd until the 10th at Kienbaum in preparation for the universal games in Kasan, Russia. The German elected the following players:
Anthony Canty (Eisbren Bremerhaven), Bastian Doreth (TBB Trier), Till-Joscha Jonke (BG Illertal-Weienhorn/ratiopharrm Ulm), Konstantin Klein (187-PG-91, agency: LUMANI 10.7) (FRAPORT SKYLINERS), Florian Koch (Telekom Baskets Bonn), Dennis Kramer (Univeristy of San Diego/USA), Mathis Mnninghoff (TBB Trier), Stefan Schmidt (BBC Bayreuth), Simon Schmitz (BBC Bayreuth), Andreas Seiferth (TBB Trier), Christian Standhardinger (University of Hawai at Manoa), Johannes Voigtmann (FRAPORT SKYLINERS), Ole Wendt (Phoenix Hagen), Jonas Wohlfarth-Bottermann (Telekom Baskets Bonn) and Malte Ziegenhagen (Hawai Pacific University/USA).
Pro A club NBC didnt hesistate long to extend the contract of head coach Martin Ides making it public today. Ides was a rookie head coach that led NBC into the playoffs where they lost a hard fought five game series to the Duesseldorf Baskets. "I am happy about the contract extension. I am happy that the club has kept the trust in me and that we can continue to work together", stated Martin Ides . "We believe in the concept of Martin Ides [read more]
Pro A club NBC didnt hesistate long to extend the contract of head coach Martin Ides making it public today. Ides was a rookie head coach that led NBC into the playoffs where they lost a hard fought five game series to the Duesseldorf Baskets. "I am happy about the contract extension. I am happy that the club has kept the trust in me and that we can continue to work together", stated Martin Ides . "We believe in the concept of Martin Ides . He showed last season despite in difficult situations that he could lead the team. He totally identifies with his task in Nurnberg and he wants to build something on the long term", stressed NBC CEO Alexander Lolis.
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