Tony Gaffney (204-F-84, college: Massachusetts) is a 28 year old 204cm forward from Berkely, Massachusetts that is playing for FIATC Joventut Badalona this season. He is a forward who brings a high level of energy and athleticism to any teams he joins. He is a tenacious rebounder and great defender. He was the Atlantic 10 Conference defensive player of the year in 2008-09, and one of the nation's leading shot-blockers. He played at Boston University from 2004-2006 and then went to Massachusetts (NCAA) where he played from 2006-2009. In his senior year, he played 30 games: 11.5ppg, RebA10-2 (10.2rpg), 1.7apg, StealsA10-2 (2.0spg), BlocksNCAA-3 (3.8bpg), FGP: 54.2%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 64.6%: Finished career at UMass ranked seventh all-time in blocks (174). In 2009-2010, he played for Altshuler Saham Galil Gilboa (Israel-Premier League): 1 game: 2pts, 2reb, 1steal, 1block, but left next month, in Apr.'10 moved to Boston Celtics (NBA). In 2010-2011, he played for the Boston Celtics (NBA), in Oct.'10 moved to Turk Telekom Ankara (Turkey-TBL): Turkish League: 8 games: 6.0ppg, 2.4rpg, FGP: 63.0%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 80.0%; EuroChallenge: 3 games: 8.0ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.0spg; left in Jan.'11, same month acquired by Utah Flash (D-League): 38 games: 10.3ppg, 6.8rpg, 2.3apg, 1.4spg, Blocks-4 (2.3bpg), FGP: 55.9%, 3PT: 27.8%, FT: 66.7%. Last season he played for the Telekom Baskets Bonn (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): German League: 37 games: 12.9ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.5apg, 1.3spg, Blocks-1 (1.8bpg), FGP: 63.1%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 68.8%; EuroChallenge: 12 games: 11.6ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.1apg, 1.3spg, Blocks-1 (2.1bpg), FGP: 63.0%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 58.8%He spoke to eurobasket about basketball.
You are playing your first season in the ACB and are averaging 10,9ppg, 5,6rpg, 1,8apg, 1,5spg and 1,2bpg. The transition seems to have run smoothly for you.
I had a good season last year with Bonn and I worked very hard last summer getting ready for this season. The ACB is a great league where you always have to be ready and there is 0 cake walk in the ACB.
You still have close ties to Bonn. How tough was it leaving Bonn.
It was tough leaving. I was in Bonn for new years and new year day. It feels like a second home. It was a business decision leaving and coming to the ACB was best for my career. Maybe the Bonn fans will see me in magenta colors again in the future.
What do you miss more hanging out with Andrej Mangold or catching ally-op passes von Jared Jordan?
I miss hanging out with Andrej Mangold while catching ally-op passes from Jared Jordan.
What is your role with FIATC Joventut?
My role is to do all similar to what it was with Bonn. I am one of the older players on the team and should be a leader. I have embraced my role well. I am here to score, play defense and push the ball forward on transition.
Do you have to change your style a bit to what you saw in the lower league Beko BBL?
I have to use more of my athletic ability and speed.
Is Corey Fischer a good replacement for Jared Jordan with ally-op passes?
It is impossible to replace Jared Jordan, but Corey Fischer is a fun kind of point guard. He can do so much with scoring, pass and get the team out on the break.
Even if you are currently not in the NBA, isnt the ACB like the European NBA for you?
Yes it is. There are always NBA general managers courtside. There are thousands of fans at every game and wherever you go in the city, people know you. The NBA is a league of their own, but the ACB is a very special league and I will enjoy it even more if we continue to win.
What is the toughest for you game in and game out in the ACB?
The toughest thing is the challenge in every game. The skill level of the position four in the ACB is up with the NBA. Every night I play against ex NBA players or guys that play in national teams. All can shoot, post up and put the ball on the floor. I am thankful for having this chance to showcase my skills against the best players.
You lost too Real Madrid recently. How was it playing against Marcus Slaughter who you know well?
He is a good friend of mine. We talked before and after the game. WE have smilar games, but I am more outside and he is inside, but our game is defined from the defensive end, blocking shots, dunking and getting the crowd into the game. I strive to be like him an dplay for a Euroleague team someday. We will have dinner soon. It is always nice seeing him.
What is wrong with FC Barcelona? They have a record of 11-8. They are playing very well in Euroleague, but the ACB is a tough league. There are more than four teams that could play well in Euroleague. Barcelona has a tough schedule, play 3-4 games a week plus all the travel.
You recently played against big man Nathan Jawai. Was he the biggest guy that you ever played against?
Well I played against Shaq with the Boston Celtics, but with Jawai it is as close as it gets. He is a good guy and a big boy. He really knows how to use his body and how to rebound. I didnt have to cover him except for a few switches.
Who was the best player that you have played against in the ACB this season?
It has to be Erazem Lorbek who has played everywhere with top teams in Europe. He might be the bets post player in Europe. He moves so well with his 6.10 body. Spencer Nelson also is a tough player who has been around for years.
What is your favorite place in Barcelona?
I like Port Olympic at the water. There are nice lounges there and places to eat where you can go with your family.
Have you been to a FC Barcelona soccer game?
I have been to one game where they won 5-1 in the Spanisch league. The atmosphere is incredible and the fans are crazy. They are the best team in the world.
Do you have a favorite Spanisch food? I like the Spanisch rice.
Rajon Rondo is out for the season. How will they react to this?
Rondo tearing his ACL is heartbreaking. He is a good friend of mine. The Boston Celtics are a good organization and they will find a way to win games. Paul Pierce can help out at the point. There have been rumors about Kyle Lowry being brought in. I think that they will be fine and will be right there in the playoffs.
I witnessed young NBA players like Kemba Walker and Austin Rivers refusing to sign autographes a few weeks ago in Boston. What is your take on autographes?
I disagree with players that dont sign. I sign for anyone anywhere. Even I f I was Michael Jordan I would sign. The reasons for the high pay role are the fans. If it takes putting a smile on a kids face is what matters. I would always sign.
What was the last DVD movie that you saw? I have been watching the DVD series Sons of Anarchy
What do you get if you have big robust Jared human dressed in black without the Wil Smith men in Black shades with a broom ready to get busy on a long narrow dark tunnel all prepared to sweep, sweep, sweep? Well you would either have the American Homan fitted to clean a dark and dirty chimney or simply a country boy from Iowa that has been introduced to the real world of Europe as a basketball player doing a commercial on how to sweep a top Beko BBL team with Alba Berlin [read more]
What do you get if you have big robust Jared human dressed in black without the Wil Smith men in Black shades with a broom ready to get busy on a long narrow dark tunnel all prepared to sweep, sweep, sweep? Well you would either have the American Homan fitted to clean a dark and dirty chimney or simply a country boy from Iowa that has been introduced to the real world of Europe as a basketball player doing a commercial on how to sweep a top Beko BBL team with Alba Berlin. Not to forget to spruce up the add with lightening quick Tyrese Rice (185-PG-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Boston Coll.) all dapper in his chimney dirt absorbers aiding Homan with his dirty work would have been the most adequate side kick in the chimney or in front of the camera with his quick hands to get more chimneys spotless or to help brighten up the lens with his smile. Rice did a super job time in and time out getting the Alba defense unrattled, but with next opponent Bamberg ready to square off, the cake walk that Munich had against Alba Berlin most likely wont happen again as the club most likely will have to keep the brooms in the closet as a sweep in this series will be as unlikely as Borussia Dortmund or FC Bayern Munich winning 4-0 in the Champions League final. The only broom that will be used in this series at the end will be to sweep away the tears as the loser will head home as a loser in the Beko BBL pre final final.
The Fc Bayern Munich-Alba Berlin head to head match up in the quarterfinals was like a final already and the Bavarian team was clearly more prepared. They didnt hesitate to get going showing the 8 time Beko BBL team their boundries in game one winning easily 88-67. The FC Bayern Munich offense was as smooth rolling as is Arjen Robben when he is dribbling down the wing toward the goal as they shot a hot 54% from the field and 53% from the parking lot and had five players in double figures. They were unable to contain Dashaun Wood or Nihad Djedovic, but kept everyone else in check and held Alba Berlin to under 40% shooting. FC Bayern Munich held their composure and showed mental strength in game two and three winning each game by six points. FC Bayern Munich continued to shoot very well keeping that team balance in scoring intact while Tyrese Rice took charge scoring 41 points in the last two games. FC Bayern Munich also stayed aggressive on defense keeping Alba Berlin to under 40% shooting in game three. One cant forget that Alba Berlin had the injury bug all season long. The third quarter really hurt us in the last two games. Munich had some guys step up that made tough shots that usually they would not have made. We played the percentages, but you have to give them credit for having determination and effort to make those difficult shots. Those big shots gave them momentum just to slightly get the lead and hang on. I also think that we had 25 more Euroleague games in our bones and they just had more juice than we did, stressed 2011 Beko BBL MVP Dashun Wood.
The Brose Baskets Bamberg came into the series against Phoenix Hagen having to play against every bodies darlings and had no cake walk winning the series 3-1. It was a hard piece of work for Chris Fleming and co, but in the end the 5 time Beko BBL team once again showed despite increased criticism this season that they are past their prime that they are still the team to beat and when time comes to shove, can still shove the best and win big games in uncomfortable environments. That Bamberg can defend has always been known, but Phoenix Hagen had to defend very well to make any strides in this series, but averaged giving up 96 points in the four game series. They won game one 99-74 scoring 37 points in the fourth quarter when they had to and having six players in double figures. Phoenix Hagen won game two 95-89 playing their typical run and gun game scoring just a bit more than their opponent and shooting superbly at 49% from the field and 45% from downtown. Adam Hess burned Bamberg with 28 points and eight three pointers and they annoyed Bamberg and forced them to 20 turnovers. Game three will forever be known as the turning point of the series and didnt shine a bright light on Bamberg or the league as shortly before halftime, there was a skirmish on the court and three Hagen players were disqualified, but no Bamberg player. The Beko BBL then suspended American Mark mr fantastic four three games. Despite this turmoil, Hagen didnt sink their heads in the second half kept fighting, but lost 104-94. A big 31 point third quarter and the three ex NBA players Casey Jacobsen, Bostjan Nachbar and Sharod Ford contributed 66 points was just too much for the troops of Ingo Freyer. Everybody was awaiting a big battle in game four in Hagen, but instead Bamberg quickly played like they were three classes above Hagen leading 14-2 early, scored 34 points in the first quarter and never looked back. Phoenix Hagen made their runs, but it didnt help that American Davin White left early in the fourth quarter with an apparent injury. In the end, Bamberg won with their experience, cleverness and constant pressure on offense and defense and it didnt help that Hagen had a slow shooting day.
The clash between FC Bayern Munich and the Brose Baskets Bamberg is by far the most interesting series in the Beko BBL semifinals. FC Bayern Munich play their second final in a row while Bamberg play their first type final in the playoffs. Both teams are ready for a spirited and hard fought playoff series. FC Bayern Munich will be more rested, but also mentally strong after disposing of tough opponent Alba Berlin, while Bamberg couldnt pull out the lawn chairs in the series against Phoenix Hagen as they had to play against a very focused and annoying team. Both teams split the season series as Bamberg won at home 76-68. It was a very tight game, but Bamberg had a strong fourth quarter holding on too win as both teams didnt shoot particular well as it was more of a defensive minded game. FC Bayern Munich won at home 85-71 as they were more in control and easily dominated the boards. In this series, the question is can Bamberg win their only title of the season and fourth league title in a row, or is is the time ripe for FC Bayern Munich to make the next step make an upset and reach the Beko BBL final? Both teams have potent offenses whereas Bamberg has the advantage on defense a part of their game they will need to improve in the Munich series with more talent there than in Hagen as they gave up too many points to Phoenix Hagen. Both teams have enough fire power to have 5-7 players in double figures, but if one had to choose two players that will be key then it will be Tyrese Rice and Casey Jacobsen. Rice was on fire in game two and three and he carries the team no matter what while the ex NBA player Jacobsen is the heart and soul of the team. If there is one player that can make the big shot, rebound, assist or big play than it is Jacobsen. Bamberg will have to be mentally strong and simply out grind FC Bayern Munich. The inside game and rebounding could make the difference in this series.Interesting will see who will get the best of whom with Homan,Troutman and Roberts against Ford, Zirbes and Neumann. The experience factor could be crucial in crunch time situations. Both teams are still searching for their groove on defense and who finds it first will benefit. Bamberg has home court advantage, but winning in Bamberg seems to be getting easier and FC Bayern Munich will have to win on the road. This will be a big battle that will go five games. The time is right for FC Bayern Munich to make the next step while an era will end in Bamberg.
It is no secret that TBB Trier head coach Henrik Rodl has been developing German players for years, but he also doesnt shy away from keeping his young players in Trier. According to sportando, TBB Trier handed Andreas Seiferth (209-C-89, agency: LUMANI 10.7) a contract extension. Seiferth is a 23 year old 209cm center that was born in Berlin and will play his third season on the Mosel. In his first season in Trier, he played 34 games: 4.6ppg, 2.1r [read more]
It is no secret that TBB Trier head coach Henrik Rodl has been developing German players for years, but he also doesnt shy away from keeping his young players in Trier. According to sportando, TBB Trier handed Andreas Seiferth (209-C-89, agency: LUMANI 10.7) a contract extension. Seiferth is a 23 year old 209cm center that was born in Berlin and will play his third season on the Mosel. In his first season in Trier, he played 34 games: 4.6ppg, 2.1r. Last season, he was able to increase his stats as he played 34 games averaging 9,5ppg, 5,0rpg and 1,2apg while averaging 24 minutes per game. The German already got substantial basketball experience with Alba Berlin from 2008-2011 where he got into 8 Beko BBL games.
Ryon Howard has agreed a contract extension to remain with the Bochum Astro Stars who will be playing in the 2. Bundesliga Pro B in the 2013-14 season. Thus, the Bronx, NY, native will enter his third year in Bochum.
Howard led the team to the 2012-13 1. Regionalliga West championship and received Eurobasket.com All-German Regionalliga West Player of the Year just recently. He averaged 18.1 points and 9.5 boards a game for the Astro Stars last season [read more]
Ryon Howard has agreed a contract extension to remain with the Bochum Astro Stars who will be playing in the 2. Bundesliga Pro B in the 2013-14 season. Thus, the Bronx, NY, native will enter his third year in Bochum. Howard led the team to the 2012-13 1. Regionalliga West championship and received Eurobasket.com All-German Regionalliga West Player of the Year just recently. He averaged 18.1 points and 9.5 boards a game for the Astro Stars last season. Howard started his pro career at BSV Wulfen in 2009, followed by a single season with Rhoendorf playing in the Pro A.
Art.Dragons: took 4th (last) place (1-5) in Group C of the Regular Season
Ratiopharm: took 2nd place (3-3) in Group G of the Regular Season, took 2nd
place (3-3) in Group L of the Top16, lost to Gescrap BB in the Quarterfinals 1-1
(-19) !!!
s.Oliver Baskets: took 3rd place (3-3) in Group D of the Regular Season
EWE Baskets: took 1st place (6-0) in Group F of the Regular Season, took 1st
place (5-1) in Group E of the Top16, lost to Karsiyaka (TUR) 62-66 in the
Semifinals, beat Gravelines (FRA) 84-76 in the 3rd place game !!!
Telekom Baskets: took 1st place (4-2) in Group H of the Regular Season, took
2nd place (4-2) in Group L of the Top16, lost to Krasnye Krylia (RUS) 0-2 in the
Quarterfinals !!!
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