Maxi Kleber drives to the basket in action for s. Oliver Baskets - Photo by Würzburg Main Post

s.Oliver Baskets power forward Maximilian Kleber has been in the headlines of late for putting his name into the 2012 NBA Draft as an early entry. That’s reason enough for heinnews’ David Hein to travel to Würzburg to catch the team’s first round playoff game against Alba Berlin. Kleber only played 2:30 minutes and missed his only shot as s.Oliver Baskets eliminated Alba with a 3-1 series win.
Hein and the Würzburg native Kleber talked afterwards about the meaning of the victory for the city and club; his ears hurting; gaining some attention; pulling his name out of the NBA Draft; and what he needs to work on in his game.

heinnews: Hi Maxi, you are from Würzburg, what does this victory and reaching the semifinals of the Beko BBL playoffs mean to you, the club and the city?
Kleber: Quite a lot. Something like this hasn’t happened in a long time. You have to remember that we were in the (fourth division) Regionalliga four years ago. So that we advanced is incredible.

heinnews: If someone would have said before the season that a promoted club from the state of Bavaria would knock Alba Berlin out of the first round of the playoffs, not many people would have thought about s.Oliver Baskets but more Bayern Munich. How was the club able to make such a big step forward so quickly?
Kleber: Definitely through great play. At the moment we have in (John) Little a great scorer. But we all fit well together and that is our strength. We also play tough defense and that’s how we beat Alba Berlin.

heinnews: What is it like for your from this city to play in front of this crowd in this arena, which has been sold out for years?
Kleber: It’s incredible. My ears were really hurting today because it was so loud. But it was loads of fun.

heinnews: Your next opponent in the semis will be ratiopharm ulm, who played an unbelievable season as well. What are your thoughts on them?
Kleber: We know that Ulm is very strong. They swept New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig 3-0 out of the playoffs. I think we have a chance. But we have to see how things go, especially on the road.

heinnews: You have been in the news quite a bit lately by putting your name as an early entry into the 2012 NBA Draft. How did that process come about?
Kleber: It was an idea from my father and my agent. My problem was that I was injured a long time and no one really knew me. And this will bring some more attention and possibilities for me. So that’s why we decided to enter my name in the draft.

heinnews: Do you intend at all to keep your name in the draft or will you pull it out before the draft?
Kleber: I will very likely pull my name out because the probability that I would get drafted this year is much too low.

heinnews: And what are your thoughts about the whole process?
Kleber: I just hope that I have a chance of getting drafted in the next one or two years.

heinnews: Now that you are healthy again, how do you want to approach things?
Kleber: I will be playing this summer with the German U20 national team. And I just want to continue to improve and get as much playing time as I can, which I missed the last two seasons.

Maximilian Kleber - Photo from s.Oliver Baskets Würzburg

heinnews: Of course young players say they have so much to work on, but where do you see you need to work on your game the most?
Kleber: On my post work. Both offensively and defensively.

heinnews: You have gained some muscle over the past year but how do you feel your body can hold up in this league playing against power forwards and sometimes centers like Derrick Allen and Torin Francis from Alba tonight?
Kleber: I can tell that I need to add a bit of weight but it has also gotten better this season. But you need more to defend those guys.

heinnews: Talk about your plans for the summer. You mentioned the national team. What are your thoughts about the U20 national team, which will play the European Championship this summer in Slovenia after reaching fifth place in 2011?
Kleber: We have to wait a little bit. We can’t really say too much ahead of time. But we definitely have a very strong squad and I think we have a good chance of really advancing pretty far.

Donald Lutz is hammering his way through the Cincinnati Reds system - Photo by Dayton Dragons

heinnews’s David Hein reached out to the minor league baseball world for a chat with Donald Lutz, a slugging first base/outfield talent in the Cincinnati Reds system who also plays for the German national team. Through May 12, the 23-year-old Lutz was hitting .311 with 10 homeruns, 30 RBIs and 5 stolen bases for the Reds’ High A Bakersfield Blaze. Hein and Lutz talked about Lutz’s background; playing for former greats such as Delino DeShields and Ken Griffey Sr.; homering off Mike Leake; watching speedster Billy Hamilton change the game; and the improving game of baseball in Germany.

heinnews: For those who do not know, please give us your background. Born in the States correct? To an American father and German mother? How did you land in Germany and in Regensburg?

Lutz: After I was born my parents got divorced and my mum moved back to Germany, and I lived in Friedberg (Hessen). I didn’t move to Regensburg until I was 16.

heinnews: You were late coming to baseball at 15 years, how have you been able to excel so quickly?

Lutz: I just picked it up really quick. I had good coaches teaching me the game and everything just feels natural.

heinnews: What goals did you have coming into spring training this year and what did you think of your spring training?

Lutz: I just wanted to leave a good impression with Dusty Baker and the Reds, and I think I did a good job doing that. It was my first big league camp so I learned a lot and it was so much fun.

heinnews: You eventually got the assignment of moving up to High A Bakersfield. What were your thoughts on that? 

Lutz: Well I kind of knew they were gonna start me here because I’m still learning. But I think if I will be consistent I won’t be here all year.

heinnews: What was it like for you to have Delino DeShields as a manager last season – someone who obviously knows so much about the game?

Lutz: It was amazing. He knew so much about the game so whatever you needed help with he was able to help out. It doesn’t matter if it was a question about defense, hitting, the mental part of the game or whatever.

heinnews: And then after two seasons with DeShields as a manager, now you get Ken Griffey Sr. What’s that been like?

Lutz: Griffey Sr. is awesome too. It’s just because they played the game for a long time, and they know what it’s like to be out there every day. So they really take care of us.

Donald Lutz

heinnews: You have mainly played 1B in the minors but this year you are playing the outfield, left field to be precise. Are you now going to be an OF who occasionally plays 1B? Or what is your position status? How are you taking to the outfield?

Lutz: Right now I’m just working on both. We are trying to split the time so I get about the same amount of time in the OF as at 1B. I wanna be able to be good at both positions because it’s a plus.

heinnews: What have the Reds told you to work on most?

Lutz: They told me to keep working at my defense and staying consistent at the plate.

heinnews: Before you went to Bakersfield you had the Reds’ Future Game where you hit a home run off Mike Leake at the Great American Ball Park. Where does that moment rank in your career thus far?

Lutz: I would say that this was my highlight so far.

heinnews: What have been some of the highlights and lowlights thus far in your young career?

Lutz: Hmm, I hit for the cycle twice already. Last year’s cycle I went homerun triple double then single and all in 5 innings. I hit my first grand slam last year and I hit a bomb to tie the game in the 8th, then hit a walk off bomb in the 10th inning.

heinnews: This is your fourth season playing alongside Billy Hamilton. Thoughts on him and have you ever seen anyone faster? 

Lutz: No, he is the fastest guy I have ever seen. It is just amazing. They say he will change the game because he is so fast.

heinnews: When you watch him, doesn’t it make you want to try to steal some more bases?

Lutz: Yeah it does because he makes it look so easy.

heinnews: There are some great players at High-A, anyone you really looking forward to playing against or facing on the mound?

Lutz: No, not really. I usually don’t look who we play or who is pitching. I just try to go out there and ball.

heinnews: Toughest pitcher you’ve faced thus far in your career?

Lutz: Hmm, I would say (Aroldis) Chapman.

heinnews: What are your goals for this season?

Lutz: I wanna hit .300 again, make the All-Star Game, then be moved up to AA.

heinnews: You have been receiving a lot of press over the past few months, what are your thoughts on that? 

Lutz: I like the press. I like to spread the word about German baseball because not a lot of people know there is baseball played in Germany.

heinnews: How much would it mean to German baseball if a German were to reach the Major Leagues?

Lutz: I think it would mean a lot. Maybe open some eyes to show people there is talent out there and there hasn’t been one yet so it’s about time.

heinnews: I would like to ask a couple questions about German baseball. What were your thoughts on hearing that Regensburg will be hosting a World Baseball Classic qualifying tournament in September?

Lutz: Oh man, I couldn’t believe it. Regensburg does a great job about marketing the tournaments and everything around it. So I hope there will be a lot of people out there.

heinnews: Germany were drawn to play against Canada, Great Britain and Czech Republic. What do you think about Germany’s chances? And maybe say something about each team.

Lutz: Great Britain and Czech Republic would be the easier two but Canada is a pretty good team so they are definitely the guys to beat.

heinnews: Of course Reds 1B Joey Votto plays for Canada, have you mentioned the WBC qualifiers to him at all? If so, what was his reaction?

Lutz: No, I havn’t talked to Votto about the WBC.

heinnews: You played in October 2011 for Germany at the Baseball World Cup in Panama. You had a strong tournament individually – .368 avg, .478 OBP, 3 runs, 2 home run, 6 RBI. Despite the disappointing results, what was that experience like?

Lutz: Panama was fun. It was good to play with all my friends from back home and my brother (Sascha) as well.  I like representing Germany on the field. Too bad the results weren’t there though.

heinnews: German baseball fans will see the 0-7 record and think you guys got smoked. But you lost 5-4 to Nicaragua, brought South Korea to extra innings and were close with Cuba for a while. With the Twins’ Germans and Kai Gronauer and now Daniel Thieben among others now in the minor leagues, what’s the state of German baseball at the moment?

Lutz: Improving. We have more young talent coming up which is important so we are getting better and better from year to year. And I know the 0- 7 looks bad, but we put up a good fight and played really good baseball.

Kerem Kanter taking a break from action as a junior at MacDuffie high - Photo provided by K.Kanter

heinnews’s David Hein went out on the lookout for Enes Kanter’s younger brother Kerem and found him playing at MacDuffie School as a sophomore after he had moved from a high school in Jacksonville, Florida. They talked about playing for former European pro Jerry McCullough; the difficulties of being in the United States; some of the strengths of his game; being the younger brother of Enes Kanter; college basketball and NBA dreams; and one day playing for Turkey.

heinnews: Do you watch the NBA and have favorite team? What about a favorite player – maybe other than your brother?

Kanter: My favorite team in the NBA is the Utah Jazz. I watch almost all of their games. I don’t have any favorite player though, I try to learn from all the NBA players to reach my full potential and be an all around player.

heinnews: What other sports do you watch?

Kanter: I like watching soccer because where I am from its the biggest sport.

heinnews: Why did you move from Jacksonville to MacDuffie?

Kanter: One of the biggest reasons was education. The school in Jacksonville was very good at basketball but I wasn’t taking advantage of my education there. So my family and I decided to relocate myself somewhere I can play basketball at a high level and have a good education.

Kerem Kanter lays one in off the glass in action as a high school junior - photo provided by K.Kanter

heinnews: What’s it like playing for someone like Jerry McCullough, who played many, many years in Europe – even in Turkey?

Kanter: I mean it’s really fun to play on a team that he is coaching. Because of the fact that he played in Europe many years and played college ball in U.S., he knows a lot about the European game. Also he is really good teacher. He teaches a lot about different stuff in basketball that I haven’t seen before. Even though this was his first year, we came out of nowhere and made it to the championship. I think with these two years coming up, we are going to be really good. I definitely believe I am going to learn a lot.

heinnews: How long have you been in the States? What’s your very part of being in the U.S.?

Kanter: This is my second year in United States and my favorite part is to have an opportunity to get my education and play basketball at the same time in college because in Turkey it doesn’t work that way. You have to choose one.

heinnews: What’s the most difficult part of being in the U.S. as a young adult from a different country?

Kanter: At first it was really hard because of being away from home and my friends but after couple months when I learned English, it became much easier and I got used to it.

heinnews: Why did you decide to come to the States in the first place?

Kanter: Like I said, to have a chance to play college ball and take my education at the same time. Because after a certain time it is getting harder to do both of them together.

heinnews: This was Enes’s description of your game: “He’s 6-8, 6-9, a left-hander. He has great touch. He can play like a power forward. He’s telling me that he’ll be better than me. But I’m trying to help him. He’s lefty, he can shoot, he can play the face-up game and play back-to-the basket. Right now he’s just trying to get faster because European and American basketball is so much different.” How would you describe your game? Who is it similar to? Do you pattern your game after anybody?

Kerem Kanter goes up for a dunk in high school action - photo provided by K.Kanter

Kanter: I don’t think I can find anybody that I can say I play like him. Not even my brother. I’m a power forward who can play inside and can step out, be able to shoot mid or long range and handle the ball. One of my biggest strength is rebounding. I also play back-to-basket where I score my most points.

heinnews: What areas do you see where you have to work on most?

Kanter: I think I need to spend more time at the weight room and get quicker and stronger.

heinnews: How much do you talk to Enes and what do you talk to him about?

Kanter: I talk to him almost every day. And basically we talk about everything. We talk about basketball or I just call him when I get bored.

heinnews: Does he help with your game?

Kanter: He definitely does. He always asks for my game tapes and after watching them, telling me what should I have done.

heinnews: What is it like for you being his brother? 

Kanter: It is really good opportunity because he was the factor why I started playing basketball. He is teaching me lot of stuff and my think is I am always one step in front of everyone because he is my brother.

heinnews: How often do people ask you about him?

Kanter: Once they hear my last name, they always ask about him.

heinnews: How often have you seen him play? And where do you watch him play?

Kanter: I went to couple of his games and it was unbelievable. Im watching almost all of his games through the NBA league-pass and I am proud of him.

heinnews: What are your future basketball plans? College basketball? What options out there? Playing out in Utah at all?

Kanter: I definitely want to stay here and play College basketball. It was my dream. But I think it is too early to decide where to play.

heinnews: And considerations of coming to Europe and playing club basketball?

Kanter: No, not really. My dream is always playing in the NBA after a good college experience.

heinnews: What about your goals for the future – both on and off the court?

Kanter: I want to finish my college even though if I will become a pro. Because basketball isnt the job that I will be doing after certain age.

heinnews: What plans do you have for this summer?

Kanter: Im going to play aau with my team New England Playaz but I will go back to Turkey in June.

heinnews: Any thoughts of playing for the Turkish federation and the national teams? Have they gotten in contact with you?

Kanter: I would love to play for my national team. Its really good feeling and blessed position to be in.

Travis Gaug gets the Regensburg offense going with a home run in the first inning against Neufahrn - Photo by Hubert Ott

Travis Gaug had three hits including a home run in the 10-run first inning and Konstantin Wolf allowed just two hits in four innings as the Regensburg Legionäre IV crushed the Neufahrn Red Rockets 19-3 for their first win of the season.

Regensburg pounded out 11 hits and stole 13 bases in winning after just four innings due to the slaughter rules, improving their record to 1-1 in the Bezirksliga-Südost.

“I would like to thank all the players for a great performance and their team spirit. It was really fun,” said Regensburg Legionäre manager Markus Spangler.

“Konstantin as pitcher did a great job and the balls then were hit were played perfectly. And with a 19-3 score, what can I say about the offense. Other than a couple of lapses in concentration on the base paths, everything was great.”

Gaug scored two runs and drove in three while David Hein went 2-3 with a run and two RBIs. Benedict Ott collected one hit, two runs and two RBIs. Bobby Flynn went 1-3 with two runs as well as stolen bases four and five to lead the team thus far in the season.

Tom Krüger scored three runs despite not getting a hit and Roman Taps crossed home twice without a hit.

Regensburg lefty Konstantin Wolf struck out seven in four innings to get the win - Photo by Hubert Ott

In addition to going 2-3 at the plate with two runs scored, Wolf earned the win in giving up three runs – two earned – while walking two and striking out seven in four innings.

After the Red Rockets went scoreless in the top of the first, Regensburg started their onslaught in the bottom half of the inning.

Thomas Münster actually lined out to start the inning and then Gaug nailed a home run down the left field line. Hein’s two-run double made it 3-0 and Ott and Tobias Dietrich both had RBI singles as well. All told, Regensburg sent 14 batters to the plate and scored 10 runs in the first.

Wolf struck out three of the four batters he faced in the top of the second and the Legionäre IV tacked on three more runs in the bottom of the second with Ott and Gaug both collecting RBI singles.

Neufahrn finally got on the board in the top of the third on a double, stolen base and ground out to trim the margin to 13-1.

Regensburg however did not stop showing their offensive might with Wolf hammering an RBI double to start the frame.  Jan Niklas added a two-run double and Gaug collected another RBI single to complete the six-run inning for a 19-1 lead.

Neufahrn needed five runs to force a fifth inning but could only muster two more in the top of the fourth.

The Legionäre IV’s next game is May 19 at the Munich Caribes.

Regensburg Legionäre IV could not overcome a 9-run third inning as they lost their 2012 season opener on Sunday 14-11 at Passau Beavers.

Travis Gaug collected a team-high three hits at the plate but surrendered as pitcher all nine runs in the third inning. And it was too much for Markus Spangler’s team to make up.

“We won every inning except the third. For our first game we have to be happy about that,” said the Regensburg manager, whose team had more hits and fewer errors than Passau.

Regensburg opened the game with a run in the first as Gaug singled and was driven in by Bobby Flynn. And the Legionäre doubled the lead 2-0 with a run in the top of the second with Benedict Ott coming in on Eric Schäfer’s ground out.

After striking out the side in the first, Gaug gave up a home run to start the second before striking out two more Beavers for a 2-1 Regensburg lead after two frames.

Regensburg’s first five batters reached base in the third with Andre Koos driving in one run, Tom Krüger knocking in two runs and Schäfer grounder making it a 6-1 Regensburg lead.

Passau however found every hole in the Regensburg defense, including a loaded bases-clearing double to make it 6-5. Gaug struggled to find the strike zone with four walks in the inning – including three straight – and his defense let him down with two errors. In total, the Beavers scored nine runs and sent 14 players to the plate – with just three hits – for a 10-6 lead.

Neither team scored in the fourth inning, and the Legionäre trimmed the margin to 10-7 with Flynn coming home when Schäfer reached on an error.

But Passau got the run back in the second inning of work for new pitcher Thomas Münster to make it 11-7 after five innings.

Regensburg stormed back in the top of the sixth with four runs to tie the game 11-11. David Keilhauer started the inning with a double and Gaug added his third single while Koos drove in his second run of the game.

The game was close to exceeding the allotted time and Regensburg knew they could not allow a run to get to the seventh inning. But Münster walked two and hit a batter to load the bases with no outs. After a Münster strikeout, Passau scored what proved to be the game winner as Gaug’s throw from shortstop was not quick enough to the plate to keep Passau from scoring to make it 12-11.

A double then drove in two more runs and the game was called due to time.

Despite not getting a hit, Flynn scored two runs and had three stolen bases. David Hein went 1-1 with three walks and two stolen bases and one run.

Gaug finished the game with five strikeouts in three innings of work while Münster had six Ks in the final 2.1 innings.
Regensburg Legionäre IV return to action on Saturday, May 5 at 11 a.m. for their home opener against the Neufahrn Red Rockets.

Amanda Zahui - here in action with Tegle - will be playing college hoops next season. Photo by BILDBYRÅN

Swedish center Amanda Zahui has trimmed her list of U.S. college choices to the University of Minnesota, University of Louisville, and the University of Washington and is planning visits starting this weekend.

At the same time she confirmed that she is not looking at the University of Kentucky.

“I’m looking to go to college right now. And I’m going for some visits this Saturday,” the 18-year-old Zahui told heinnews.

“I’m talking to Louisville, Minnesota but not Kentucky but to University of Washington! But it’s weird because I have heard some rumors that I’m talking to Kentucky too … don’t know where that is coming from though!”

Zahui, who said Louisville coach Jeff Walz was recently in Sweden and had visited with her, will fly from Sweden to Minnesota on Saturday for her first of three 48-hour campus visits. After the Minnesota trip, she travels to Louisville and will finish with Washington.

Zahui last weekend celebrated winning the Swedish league championship as Tegle finished a 3-0 series sweep of Northland in the final. Tegle, which includes many of the top talents in Swedish basketball, did not lose a game in their two rounds of playoff action.

In the semifinal sweep of Sallen, Zahui averaged 15.3 points and 9.3 rebounds while she collected 16.7 points, 14 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 2.7 steals in the finals against Northland.

When asked about the biggest factor in making a choice, Zahui said: “The coaches – if they can develop me into the best player. Also playing time and a place where I’m going to get challenged everyday and feel safe in. But I really want to get playing time, and I know I have to deserve it. And I want to develop.”

Zahui, who has played for Swedens’s Under 16 and Under 18 national teams for the past five summers, said she hasn’t made her choice yet.

“I will probably do it when I get back home and after I talked with my family since I stand really close to them and their opinions are really important for me,” said Zahui.

“After that we will see what happens, but that’s my plan right now and I’m taking it one step at the time.”

Regensburg hope to celebrate a lot more victories with their fans - Photo by Ed Cornejo

The Regensburg Baskets learned plenty during their promotion season in the 2nd Regionalliga SouthEast. They were also forced however to learn through plenty of mistakes while figuring out how to build up a successful club.

But after securing a second season in Germany’s fifth division, Baskets general manager Alexander Ziegler sought the advice of one of the most experienced basketball minds in all of Germany – Brose Baskets general manager Wolfgang Heyder.

Ziegler met up with the Bamberg boss on April 1 – one day after Regensburg staged their successful final home game, a win over BBV Leipzig to stave off relegation. Ziegler said the goal of the chat with the head of the two-time reigning Beko BBL champion was to exchange ideas as well as discover which mistakes to avoid and learn about the next steps Regensburg could take.

Even though Heyder is busy worrying if his team could three-peat with the German championship and about his roster for the 2012-13 campaign, the Bamberg leader knew of the Regensburg basketball project.

“I was pretty impressed that he knew pretty well about our situation even though he has a lot to deal with himself,” said Ziegler.

The two basketball heads talked for nearly 20 minutes and Ziegler took a lot from the informal chat, especially in how to “implement sensible structures and the distribution of tasks”.

There is so much to organize at home games and Heyder said it’s important to coordinate individual duties sensibly and effectively. Ziegler said he also plans on working to find others to coordinate the practice times for all the teams within the club within a schedule of gym availability.

Ziegler said he was convinced following the talk that he needs to add more personnel into the club’s structure. He must also have “patience and perseverance” while also practicing “sound economics”.

Heyder also made suggestions about advancements within the youth ranks in the Upper Palatinate club. Regardless the success of Regensburg’s top men’s team, the youth development is a critical component for long-term sustainability and success, said Ziegler. And he hopes to continue to expand the club’s youth concept.

Even though Regensburg’s home game against Leipzig was considered a successful event as well as result, Ziegler said the talk with Heyder “gave me a extra push of motivation”.

The Regensburg boss thought Heyder was very cooperative.

“He seemed to have a special interest in expanding the foundation of basketball since there is not really much basketball in eastern Bavaria,” Ziegler said of Heyder.

Ziegler has been the past three weeks intensively considering how to implement the tips he received from Heyder to continue the Baskets’ development.

One thing is certain. Ziegler’s talk with Heyder has already given the Regensburg Baskets a major push forward – if nothing else because they avoided the mistakes they may have made without the talk.

The Regensburg Baskets are always looking for voluntary help within the club. Those interested can contact Alexander Ziegler directly at alexander.ziegler@regensburg-baskets.de

JR Holden hitting a jumper at the 2007 EuroBasket - Photo by FIBA Europe

heinnews’ David Hein caught up with good buddy JR Holden, former Olympian, EuroBasket champion, Euroleague winner and all around sports fan. They chatted about his departure from basketball and CSKA Moscow; what he’s doing nowadays and how you can follow him; a wide array of U.S. sports subjects; and coming back to Europe – as a fan.

heinnews: So, last time we saw you on the court, you were winning your ninth straight Russian league title with CSKA Moscow. How was it to go out with at least that title?
Holden: It felt good to leave the game with a title and to play very well in the championship series. I felt like MJ in ‘98. Lol.

heinnews: That 2010-11 season was a bit of a disappointment with CSKA not making it out of the Regular Season of the Euroleague. How tough was that and what do you think happened there?
Holden: It was disappointing that the club brought in the wrong coach to lead a veteran team. I don’t live in the past but I guess a bad season was due for CSKA. Now, they are back on top where they belong. Attitude and winning reflects leadership. So, that is the answer to that question .

heinnews: With the luxury of hindsight, what did you European experience – something you probably never planned as a young guy out of Bucknell – mean to you now?
Holden: I haven’t really sat back and reflected on my career yet, but I can honestly say, the ego side of me says that I never thought I would arguably be the best player to ever come over and have a career in Europe. No other American has impacted a country and won as much as I did. Like we say in the States sometimes, stats don’t lie. LOL. But the humble side of me says, it was just an honor to play professional basketball. To be given an opportunity to play ball and play it at such a high level is just humbling that LATVIA, OOSTENDE(IN BELGIUM), AEK (IN GREECE), AND CSKA gave me an opportunity to do something special…that is play basketball for a living.

heinnews: After the season you retired from basketball, what was the deciding factor in your decision to hang up the sneakers?
Holden: First probably my heart condition scared me a little bit.  Second, I know what it takes to play at a high level. I didn’t know if I could keep spending my summers waking up at 6am to work out to stay in “greatness” shape.

heinnews: CSKA Moscow gave you and Trajan Langdon a pretty nice farewell. What did you think of that?
Holden: Moscow is my second home so it’s always special to get love at home. I will always have a special place in my heart for CSKA and the people in Russia. They are my extended family. So I just want to say THANK YOU.

heinnews: How nice was it for you to retire at the same time as your long-time running mate Trajan?
Holden: That wasn’t really the plan but Trajan is like a brother from another mother.  So, it was just special to play with him for 6 years.

heinnews: You had already written the book Blessed Footsteps before your retirement, what were you thinking of doing after giving up the game?
Holden: Not really sure what I will do.  I am just enjoying the time with my family and doing a little traveling.  If anybody has some work for me or ideas for me, let me know .  I’m available…

heinnews: We hear you are doing some radio talkshow stuff on blogtalkradio. What exactly is that and how can people listen to you and when?
Holden: You can listen to the shows live Wednesday at 7PM or Sunday at 7:30PM east coast USA time or listen any time you have some free time on my site www.teninc.me or go to www.blogtalkradio/jonrobholden.com and listen to the shows.  They are simply about life. We talk about religion, sports, relationships, traveling, anything goes. It’s fun and entertaining but real and honest.

heinnews: What else is in the works?
Holden: I have some merchandise on my site that people may really like. USB bands and T-shirts that are real cool. Outside of that, just brainstorming.

heinnews: How much, if at all, do you miss the game? Or what aspects of it?
Holden: I miss competing.  There is nothing like getting ready for a big game on the road and all the fans are cheering against you.  I miss the competition the most.

heinnews: How much European basketball are you watching? Who do you think will win the EL Final Four? You think Kirilenko, Siskauskas and the boys can do it? What about Barcelona?
Holden: I don’t watch any EL basketball. Too hard for me right now. I do follow CSKA though. I think CSKA can win it all. They are the best team. They are the Kentucky of EL right now. But we all know, the FF anything can happen. Barcelona and Pana are always a threat but I like CSKA to win it all.

heinnews:  We know you’re a big NFL fan. So, let’s get some expert opinions on a couple of items.
- You’re starting a franchise, who do you take – Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III?
Holden: RG III. You can’t go wrong with either one but I believe RG III has more upside than Luck. If I’m the Colts, I take Luck because he is along the lines of a Peyton Manning as far as personality, character, etc. But if I am starting a franchise, RG III would be my guy.

heinnews:  – How will Peyton Manning do in Denver?
Holden: Peyton is one of the best to ever play the game at QB. If he gets healthy, he will be highly successful.

heinnews:  – Who will win more games as quarterback in New York – Sanchez or Tebow? Can Tim Tebow work with the Jets?
Holden: Sanchez has lost his job. LOL. I believe that Tebow will be the starting QB on that team by mid season next year. Tebow is a winner and I just feel that Rex Ryan loves his toughness. Sanchez is good and I like him, so who knows. Right now, I take Tebow to win more games in New York. Yes, they can co-exist and Tebow will work in New York.

heinnews:  – Do you think the penalties for the Saints in the bounty affair were fair?
Holden: No, I don’t think all the penalties were fair. I don’t believe in hurting a player on purpose but I do believe in a fierce game and if it is incentive driven to hit harder, by all means, as a fan I am going to love it. I believe a lot of teams do it and have done it. The Saints just got caught.

heinnews: Chances that your Pittsburgh Pirates finish above .500 for the first time since 1992?
Holden: I am die hard Pittsburgh fan so I will say 51%. LOL. They won’t though.

heinnews: How happy are you that Andrew McCutchen was given a long-term deal?
Holden: He deserved it and it’s about time we paid a player to stay. Maybe this is the start of something new, fresh and exciting.

heinnews: You like Magic Johnson be a good influence for the LA Dodgers?
Holden: Yes, whatever Magic does as a business man turns out well. I think the Dodgers will be good and his influence will be a positive one.

heinnews: What do you think about the NCAA Final Four? Kentucky’s kids mature enough to win it all?
Holden: I picked Kentucky to win it from the beginning. They have been the best team all year and now they are one game away from capturing Calipari first title.

heinnews: And the women’s Final Four? Brittney finally get her title after losing in the Elite Eight to Texas A&M last year?
Holden: Yes, Brittney is a special player. She will win it all this year with Baylor. She is on a mission and that team has been a beast all year. Undefeated in any sport is difficult and they are two games away from doing something special.

heinnews: What about the NBA? Who is your favorite to win the trophy?
Holden: I don’t have a favorite but I am a big supporter of D. Rose. He has been hurt this year but if he gets healthy, I like their chances. Miami will always be in the mix. You can never go against the Big 3. As for the West, who knows? I like Oklahoma City but the Spurs and Lakers will contend as well.

heinnews: Do you have any plans to come back to Europe at all? Visit some games or anything?
Holden: Yes, I am going to Belgium next week to watch the Cup Final Four and I will probably go to the FF in Turkey.

heinnews: Why don’t you come to Istanbul for the Final Four? You could sell your book there. And I’m sure the fans would love to see you there.
Holden: I will not sell my book there but I do plan on coming to watch some great EL basketball.

Regensburg Baskets center Johannes Wießnet goes up for a shot - Photo by Ed Cornejo

The Regensburg Baskets nearly blew a 20-point lead in the second half but held on to beat last-placed BBV Leipzig 89-81 and secure their spot in the 2. Regionalliga SouthEast for a second straight season.

A season-best crowd of 300 fans saw Regensburg captain Johannes Wießnet and Malte Binting both score 15 points while Daniel Waldhauser scored 14 points and Mike Urban added 13 points in the important victory.

By improving their record to 8-13 for eighth place with one game left, Regensburg staved off relegation back to the Bayernliga.

“It’s incredible. I need a little bit of time to calm down. I think next week it will sink in,” said a relieved Regensburg coach Markus Höß.

Baskets manager Alexander Ziegler admitted he was “simply overjoyed”.

“It really means a lot that we are staying in the league. It means that we can continue our work next season in the same league and in essence work on taking the next step forward, especially organizationally,” said Ziegler.

“This is really optimistic for the future of basketball in Regensburg.”

Cheerleaders from TSV Abensberg perform at Regensburg Baskets home game vs BBV Leipzig - Photo by Ed Cornejo

Baskets management – predominantly Ziegler – had been working for some three months on turning the final home game of the season into a real event. The game was presented by local radio station Gong FM, while Ka5per was serving cocktails to the crowd and an extra bit of support and entertainment came from the cheerleaders from nearby TSV Abensberg.

Urban thought the crowd was “awesome”.

“They really made some good noise. It’s a lot of fun to play in front of so many people. They really helped us and we have to thank the fans,” said Urban.

This is what will take Regensburg Baskets to the next level - the fans. Photo by Ed Cornejo

“The scene was amazing. I wish that we always had this many people at the games. It would be a dream,” added Höß.

The Baskets could have secured their spot in Germany’s fifth division last weekend but lost by 22 points at then last placed DJK Eggolsheim. But Regensburg wanted to change that against currently last placed Leipzig.

Wießnet and Binting combined for 10 points in the first quarter and Regensburg nailed three triples in opening a 14-point lead 27-13. The gap was 29-19 after 10 minutes.

“It was a totally different showing that last week, especially in the first quarter. We scored 29 points and really played good defense,” said Höß.

MIke Urban gets ready to lead the fast break for Regensburg - Photo by Ed Cornejo

Regensburg kept up their strong play and increased the cushion to 16 points in the second quarter, which ended with the hosts ahead 48-34.

The Baskets did not let up and built a 20-point lead midway through the third quarter – 60-40. But then Höß’s team let up a bit and allowed Leipzig back into the game.

The guests scored nine straight points but Urban nailed a big three-pointer to stop the Leipzig run. And the Regensburg lead was still 66-52 after three quarters.

The advantage grew to 69-52 early in the fourth when Regensburg turned the ball over time and again. Leipzig – knowing they desperately needed the victory to stay in the league – fought back all the way to within 82-79.

Regensburg Baskets guard Jonas Schneider has helped the team whereever he can all season - Photo by Ed Cornejo

But Wießnet came up with a huge block on defense and then Waldhauser grabbed an offensive rebound on a missed Wießnet free throw which resulted in two foul shots by Urban to push the gap back to 86-79 with just 24 seconds left.

“In the first half we were excellent. Then we were a bit too relaxed and didn’t move any more. At the end it got relatively close but I never had the feeling that we would not win,” said Höß afterwards.

Regensburg have a three-week break before the final game of the season on April 21 at BBC Bayreuth II.

Czech Baseball Association

The 5th annual 2012 MLB Academies Tournament will be played in Regensburg, Germany from March 31 to April 6 – the third consecutive year the event will be held at Armin Wolf Arena. The teams on hand will be Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Sweden, Italy, Czech Republic and Austria.
heinnews talked to the coaches in charge of the teams to get a run-down on what international baseball fans can expect from the tournament – and the future.
Czech coach David Winkler’s description of his team:

Looking over your roster, who do you see as some of your top players and maybe you can tell me a bit about those players and how high can they go in professional baseball?
Right now we have a really young team of academy players, but most of them have experience with national teams. Some of them were at the European championships for  juveniles and cadets and four of them last year for juniors last year. We also have a player that was in Tirenia (an MLB camp). I don’t want to say who is the best player because for me as a coach they have to work hard on themselves, and time will show what could happen.

Looking at this class(es) of players, where does it rank in past classes? Is this a particularly good or bad year for the system?
I think that we are not as strong as last year, but for sure we have bigger chances in the future because the players are more talented and they are working harder. Last year was great at the national level and the tournament in Regensburg is a great event. This will only help the players want to be better.

What players from your system would normally be here but are not and for what reason?
We have a couple players who are injured who would usually be in Regensburg.

What do you think about this MLB Academy tournament and others like it? What are the biggest benefits for the players?
MLB Academy tournamet is a great event as I said before. We will play six games against other academies. So we can learn a lot and find out new things. The coaches from the MLB system are great – so again we can gain a lot of new experiences, different ways how to play,  etc.,  So these are the biggest benefits for the players – new great, experiences and another view of how they can play, feel the game and find out what baseball can bring them and what they can give to baseball.

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Roster as of 21 March 2012