Korisliiga, Round 25: Basketball is round - also in Finland. Tonight's biggest upset took place in Joensuu, where local Kataja was without chances vs visitor Torpan Pojat (Helsinki). Kataja, # 1 Team before tonight, scored at home only 69 pts, lost all four quarters and the game by 34 points (69-103)! ToPo was shooting much better and played so well. James Allen (194-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Montevallo) led ToPo with 27 pts. Newcomer Jean Francois (197-F-80, agency: AMI, college: Georgia Southern) added 21 pts. Jeremiah Wood (200-F-85, agency: Court Side) was again Kataja's moste effective with 16 pts.
At the same time Kouvot (Kouvola) beat YMCA Lappeenranta at home 76-59 and Kouvot (18-7) is now alone on the top. Jukka Kataja (197-F-82) (Kouvot) had his season best 20 pts. Demetrius Brown (197-F-83, college: San Jose St.) scored 14 pts for YMCA LPR. In Espoo Honka got Team Captain Jukka Matinen (203-F-78) back in action and YMCA Lahti left the arena once again with the loss: 75-61. Kimmo Muurinen (202-F-81, college: UALR) netted 19 pts for Honka. YMCA Lahti had only two players in double digits. Ray Nixon (203-F-84, agency: Court Side, college: Wisconsin) scored 17 pts. Newcomer Chris Rodgers (193-G-84, college: Arizona) had four pts in 18 minutes. And then two thrillers. In Porvoo local Tarmo's American players bungled at the end and visitor Team Componenta (Karkkila) thanked by winning by three 67-70. DeWayne Richardson (202-C-77, college: Fairmont St.) had this time 20/11 for Tarmo ja Damion Dantzler (202-F-76, college: Louisville) 20/10 for TC. In Forssa local FoKoPo was already concentrating for the OT (68-68) with 2,8 seconds to go, but visitor KTP used the Time Out and gave the ball to Toni Ilmonen (187-G-77), whose 3-pointer was good and KTP had won 68-71. Ronald Yates (201-F-83, college: St.Peter's) led FoKoPo with 24 pts. Toni Ilmonen netted 16 (treys 4/8) for KTP.

Kataja - Torpan Pojat 69-103 (37-46) (Jeremiah Wood 16, Quinnell Brown 13, Sami Lehtoranta 12 - James Allen 27, Jean Francois 21, Eero Lehtinen 18).

Kouvot - YMCA Lappeenranta 76-59 (38-36) (Jukka Kataja 20, Brian Swift 16, Matt Williams 12 - Demetrius Brown 14, Pasi Riihela 14, HL.Coleman 11).

Honka - YMCA Lahti 75-61 (34-33) (Kimmo Muurinen 19, Monte Cummings 15, Anselmi Vanjoki 10 - Ray Nixon 17, Ilkka Vuori 12).

Tarmo - Team Componenta 67-70 (36-42) (DeWayne Richardson 20/11, Victor Morris 17, Magen McNeil 13 - Damion Dantzler 20/10, Frank Richards 18, Clifton Jones 11)

FoKoPo - KTP 68-71 (33-31) (Ronald Yates 24, Ray Cunningham 16/14, Mikko Jalonen 12 - Toni Ilmonen 16, Damon Williams 16/13, Durell Vinson 13/12)..

Article by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners Seek Revenge Against The Magenta After Losing Game Five Of The 2008 BBL Semi Final And The First Game Of The 2008-2009 Season To The Telekom Baskets Bonn On Sunday January 25th.

Telephone Banking has been a great development saving a trip to the bank for the customer and goes hand in hand like a hamburger and french fries, but when The Telekom Baskets Bonn host The Deutsche Bank Skyliners on Sunday January 25th, the harmony will not be as kind, but competitive as Telephone vs Bank will search separately for the most direct connection to the basket. Bonn is known as the birth place of famous classical composer Ludwig Van Beethoven, who was famous for composing the masterpiece, the ninth symphony, but that wont hinder Frankfurt from being hungry to display their own Basketball masterpiece. Our team will have to be on the same page of music in order to have our masterpiece, stressed Ilian Evtimov. The Telekom Baskets Bonn have been playing great basketball as of late winning six of their last seven games including a commanding win against The EWE Baskets Oldenburg in cup play to reach the BBL Top4. I think that we are not always playing well, but we when to play well and what it takes to win, warned American Ken Johnson. The game will mark the return of coach Murat Didin and American Ken Johnson, who were not always on the same Basketball page last season. Ken always had potential and talent, but if he had had more hardworking habits as a youth, then he would be playing at another level now. He is doing his job in Bonn blocking shots. God bless his two daughters, stated Skyliner coach Murat Didin.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners are coming off a huge win in Braunschweig and even though the BBL Top 4 is still five weeks away, it didnt hinder coach Murat Didin from having some thoughts about the Hamburg cup weekend. The Braunschweig win was a money game and our ticket to Hamburg. We will have a strong belief to win and hope to have 51% chance of winning while the other teams only 49%. Hamburg will not be a sightseeing trip. We are going to Hamburg to win, stressed Murat Didin. Even though Frankfurt left the Volkswagonhalle by keeping the phantoms from creating any havoc and securing the ticket for Hamburg, the importance of the win didnt change anything with the team. The win gave us extended confidence, but we are still the same team. We have to concentrate on the next 4-5 games, but take each game at a time, expressed American forward Derrick Allen. A big strength of Frankfurt this year is that even if they are turned off for one quarter like in Braunschweig, then they have the means to come back and it is extremely tough to play really strong for long periods of time against Frankfurt. It is important for the team to have that belief that even in bad periods, the defense has enough power and character to bring strong play; expressed Murat Didin. That was proved in Ludwigsburg and Braunschweig as Frankfurt was capable of almost completely shutting down the opponents offense, which carried over into wins.

The Telekom Baskets Bonn have been successful for many years being the BBL finalist four times in 1997, 1999, 2001, and 2008. It took many years, but the new Telekom Arena was finished for the 2008 BBL finals. The new arena has a capacity of 6000 and it will be the first visit for The Deutsche bank Skyliners. The Telekom Baskets Bonn have a 7-1 record in the new home and their sixth man never has to come on the court, because they are all around the court making noise. There is always a playoff atmosphere in Bonn. I watched the Oldenbug Cup game and when Bonn was up by 15 and Oldenburg scored five points in a row, all the fans in the arena would stand up and chant. The fans are incredible knowing exactly at what time in the game, what support the team needs. A team really needs warrior players to play there, added Skyliner assistant coach Klaus Perwas.
Currently The Telekom Baskets are in third place with 12 wins and five loses and continue to be one of the most competive teams that will challenge eight time BBL champ Alba Berlin for the title. Coach Michael Koch, the minister of defense keeps finding the right players and then forms teams that are always playing at the top.Koch does a great job finding the right athletic players that fit into his concept, said Skyliner assistant Klaus Perwas. At times, it seems like Bonn doesnt want to run any set plays, simply because all they are doing is running transition.. They are very athletic and play at a high tempo. We will have to control their speed, stressed American Derrick Allen. Even though Bonn is known as having a defense that could probably guard Ft Knox, the offense is just as formidable ranking sixth in the BBL this season in scoring.

But it continues to be the defense that gets the most respect from opponents. They are great at anticipating on defense getting steals and getting easy fast break baskets, which we will have to stop, warned Skyliner assistant Klaus Perwas. One big asset to the Bonn defense has been American Ken 'the giant Jonhson, who is leading the BBL in blocks with 3,0bpg. Just his presence in the zone has limited teams to going inside, but the tall figure of Johnson wont scare Ilian Evtimov from unleashing his running hook shot We practiced a lot together last year. I know him well. Everyone knows that he likes to block. He blocked me some times in practice last season and I scored some on him. I will use my body and just play it by feel, explained Ilian Evtimov

The team has enough offensive weapons starting with American Brandon Bowman, who is the second best scorer in the BBL beind Omari Westley of Nordlingen and is averaging 15,9ppg, 5,4rpg and 1,1 apg. He might bring back memories to ex Skyliner Chris Williams with his play, but as a BBL rookie has never heard of the American who is playing in China now. Bowman is an all rounder, who can score, create his own shot and defend anyone. He played at the famous Georgetown University averaging 11,0 points and 5,0 rebounds in his last season there. He also played in Italy and last season had strong stats in the D-league for Bakersfield with 11,4 points, 5,7 rebounds and 1,9 assists per game. American EJ Rowland is averaging 14,1 ppg, 3,3 rpg and 4,2apg. He had a good season coming from the bench in Quackenbrck, but his development has been staggering this season. Michael Koch went a certain risk making him his point guard, but his choice has sewn the seeds for his strong play. Rowland is a strong penetrater, but never known for an outside shot has developed into one of the top point guards in the BBL. He can be top scorer in games as well as dish out 6-7 assists on a regular basis. Rowland is very quick and plays very controlled this season, added Klaus Perwas.

American Winsome Frazier is averaging 13, 2ppg, 3,3rpg, and 1,1apg. When he is hot, then there is no cooling him down. He showed his force on offesne bringing the BBL South back into the game in the fourth quarter with his explosevness last week in the 2009 All Star game. He has a deadly shot and seems to know exactly how to hurt a team best with his shot. He played in Hungary last season and this is his second season in the BBL. American Ken Johnson often lauded with his defense is the fourth top scorer for Bonn averaging 8,2ppg and 4,0rpg. He is very experienced being drafted by the Miami Heat in 2001. He played 16 games for the Miami Heat and has played in countries like China, Spain, France and Switzerland. He can block on an efficient rate and give any defense a boost. Does the Ohio State alumnist believe that his offense game has improved under coach Michael Koch? No I dont believe so,.but I am not necessarily an offense player. I have always focused on defense. As soon as American John Bowler returns, he will be the post player again. Everyone knows how I play the game. It is great that I have absolutely no stress in Bonn how to play the game, added American Ken Johnson. It will be fun playing against Ken again. He is doing well in Bonn. But it is just a normal game for me, said American Derrick Allen.

A big blow for Bonn has been the loss of American Vincent Yarbrough, who is out for three months due to an injury. He is averaging 7,3ppg and 3,9rpg.Yarbrough, who has a lot of experience. He was drafted by the NBA Denver Nuggets in 2002 and played 59 NBA games. He has played in Italy and Belgium and knows the BBL having won a BBL title with Bamberg in 2007 and also playing in Ludwigsburg last season. He is a good defender and likes to show his smooth touch from outside. He will be dearly missed for Bonn .

Moussa Diagne is averaging 5,8ppg and 1,8rpg this season. He has quick moves in the paint, runs the fast break like a guard and can help on defense with his long arms with blocking. He showed his scoring qualities making 14 points in the cup game against The EWE Baskets Oldenburg. German A-2 National player Johannes Strasser has turned into a very fine backup point guard. He is averaging 5,3ppg, 1,8rpg and 1,6apg.He has a good outside shot and the opponent should never forget not to leave him open because he will nail the open shot often. He is a guy that wont shy away from taking a big shot in crunch time. Patrick Flomo is averaging 3,0ppg and 2,3rpg. He gives a lot of support under the boards and sometimes gives the fans you tube moments with his flying and leaping jumps through the zone with acrobatic dunks.

Ex Skyliner Alex King is averaging 2,9ppg and 2,1rpg averaging ten minutes per game. A guy that was never known for his shooting has career bests with 64% from the field and 36% from three point land. Alex is a quick defender and with his size and playing style, he fits perfectly into Michael Kochs systemstated Klaus Perwas. Even though King is doing his thing in Bonn, he has not forgotten his ex Frankfurt teammates. We still have contact as I talked a lot with Alex last summer and He called me after the Oldenburg win. He is playing well and with a lot of confidence now, expressed Derrick Allen. Alex plays with a lot of hustle and can change a game with his hustle, warned Ilian Evtimov.

German Artur Kolodziejski is averaging 2,7ppg. He is the fan favourite and energy source off the bench. Last season he averaged 5.0 points and 1,2 assists per game. He comes on the floor and always gives 110%. American Tim Clifford is averaging 1,9ppg and 1,2rpg. Even though he has not played much, coach Koch thinks highly of him. Clifford is a BBL rookie and played last season at Holy Cross averaging 18,0 points, 5,4 rebounds and 2,3 blocked shots per game. He had a pre draft workout with the Boston Celtics and worked out with Skyliner Keith Simmons last summer. American John Bowler is still out since the beginning of the season and will return soon. When Bowler does return and with Clifford having a supporter with Koch, will there be any room for Ken Johnson? No, I am not afraid at all of getting les playing time. I will continue to play and will be more than satisfied playing 15-20 minutes per game, added Ken Johnson.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners continue to have a reasonably fit team after already having played six games in 2009. American Lorenzo Gordon hurt his ankle against The Artland Dragons, but was back in the lineup in Braunschweig even if he was not 100% fit and had to put up with opponents big bodies inside. He is similar to German Konrad Wysocki that his tolerance level of pain is high. The best example for Lorenzo is comparing him to a kid, who hurts itself on the playground. Some kids will go home crying to mommy while another kids wont, but stick it in. Lorenzo is tough, added Murat Didin. The other small construction site continues to be captain Pascal Roller, but coach Murat Didin has absolute no worries about him regaining his top form. Pascal has been playing non stop for 18 months. He is fit, but just tired. When he is not tired anymore, then his performance will go up. He will play like he always has, stressed Murat Didin.

With the carnival season just around the corner, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners want to wear their special warrior suits and drive away the Bonn lion mascot quickly. We will need a colorful suit to create harmony on the court, warned Murat Didin. From the team stats, Bonn scores a little better, but Frankfurt have a edge on the boards. Just as was the case with Braunschweig, Bonn makes only 10,0 assists per game. The man to shut down is American EJ Rowland, but that has been difficult for most teams this season as he has scored in double figures in 13-16 games. He has had four or more assists in 7 of 16 games. It will be vital for Frankfurt not to let him get Bonn into a healthy offensive rhythm. We will have to play great defense, control the crowd, stop their fast break and get the ball inside, stressed Derrick Allen. Even though teams have to focus on stopping the other team, Bonn understands that winning starts with their own team. We just have to go out and play our Basketball and play hard and not let the Frankfurt style disrupt our play, added Ken Johnson. Frankfurt needs to keep a close watch over two Americans. They have dangerous players who can always take over a game. We have to keep Brandon Bowman and Winsome Frazier under control. We have to control the boards and just play smart. They tend to hang out in the paint and collapse in ,so we need to be aware to pass all the time, warned Ilian Evtimov. The Telekom Baskets Bonn host The Deutsche Bank Skyliners on Sunday January 25th at 17:00.

Final Score: Maroussi Panathinaikos 72-76
Waoo!! What a game the adrenaline is very high and both team have an amazing thirst for the victory.
Soulis Markopoulos starts with all his tools, and the same goes for Zeljko Obradovic .

The first basket in the game comes with a dunk from Batiste, after another easy basket from Mavrokefalidis. Panathinaikos is loosing the basket but Maroussi cant get the advantage as Keys is loosing the 3pointer.
Jasikevicius is scoring both free throws in the first foul which was actually received from the referees, after more than 25 minutes in the court. William Amar Keys (188-G-77, college: N.Mexico St.) is scoring also both the free throws and is equalising the game once more, 67-67 with 1.56 before the end of the regular time. Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) is scoring his first 3pointer, but Maroussi after the time-out from Soulis Markopoulos is loosing the ball with William Amar Keys being the fatal player. After another assist from Jasikevicius, Batiste is gaining the foul from Gliniadakis and is scoring both the free throws for the first time in the game. Kaimakoglou is loosing the 3pointer and Jasikevicius is scoring once more both the free throws, Haralambidis is scoring a three pointer and Vassilis Spanoulis is doing five seconds with the ball but Stevensson cant score twice from the 3pointer line. The score is now 70-74 with 16.6 seconds to the end and the ball in Panathinaikos. Vassilis Spanoulis scored the one of two free throws and Panathinaikos is officially in the finals.