The timing for an interview with Myreon Jones may not have been the best. The basketball players from VfL Sparkassen Stars Bochum had just not managed their seventh home win in a row. They clearly lost against EPG Baskets Koblenz with 89:107. But Jones didn’t let the defeat deter him and answered the questions in a relaxed manner, at least outwardly. With Niklas Geske and Antonio Williams, he is one of the central personalities of the Bochum basketball team this season.
Despite his traineeship as a teacher, Geske is perhaps playing his best season in the ProA. Behind Williams and in front of Jones, he is one of Bochum’s three best throwers so far this season. In contrast to Williams and Jones, he has long since left the Bundesliga behind and has no further ambition to return there. He has played there in the past for Hagen, Vechta and Ludwigsburg.
Jones and Williams can make the jump to the Basketball Bundesliga
For Williams and Jones, however, the step into the top German league could still follow. Jones is particularly impressive thanks to his quick release speed and his ability to create space for himself. His three-point quota could predestine him for bigger tasks in the long term. According to his own statement, he is not thinking about the BBL, or at least not yet. “I’m trying to do my job in Bochum, take advantage of my opportunity and win games with Bochum.”
Perhaps one of the most intense and exciting games in the history of VfL Sparkassen Stars Bochum ended this season with an overtime win against Paderborn Baskets. Top scorer was Myreon Jones.
© VfL Sparkasse Stars | Gundula Diehr
Williams is the Ferrari in the Bochum team. He plays explosively and spectacularly. With his lightning-fast first step, he creates enormous dynamism on the field – a profile that Bundesliga scouts might like. With TJ Crockett and Keith Braxton, Jones and Willams have two strong predecessors who made their way from Bochum to the BBL.
Williams impresses with his defensive strength and speed
The comparison with two Bochum pioneers classifies the possibilities of Jones and Willams. Keith Braxton stood for versatility in Bochum – strong rebounding, clever passes, strong routes to the basket. Now in the Bundesliga he continues to rely on his clear strengths: commitment, toughness, overview in small spaces. TJ Crockett came through pure scoring: throws from difficult situations, self-confidence in the final phase. In the Bundesliga he got and continues to get playing time because he immediately brought and brings offensive impulses and remained and remains disciplined defensively.
Antonio Deshon Williams (l.) is the Ferrari in the VfL Sparkassen Stars Bochum team.
© FUNKE Photo Services | Jonah Richter
What does this mean for Williams and Jones? Williams’ path is more similar to Braxton’s: impact through defense, speed and basket pressure, reduce turnovers, force free throws. If he makes a solid throw without dribbling, he justifies playing minutes in the BBL as a tempo changer from the bench.
Consistency and efficiency determine the role of Williams and Jones
Jones’ blueprint is closer to Crockett’s – with the difference that his value primarily comes from efficient completions after passing. If the three-point rate remains high and stable and he defends reliably, the role as a shooter with serious defense is realistic. If the throw fluctuates, it becomes more difficult: then the one outstanding strength that coaches are looking for for rotation positions is missing.
Important player: Felix Banobre, head coach of VfL Sparkassen Stars Bochum, in exchange with Antonio Williams.
© FUNKE Photo Services | Uwe Ernst
Both would benefit from consistency into the spring: Williams, if he controls the tempo in tight games and distributes shots efficiently; Jones when he hits open throws at a high frequency and works well in the defensive assignment.
BBL chances: Williams and Jones must demonstrate leadership qualities
Tobias Steinert, managing director of the Bochum basketball team, is still cautious about the assessment and BBL chances of the two players. “It’s too early to judge,” he said. “For the BBL you need outstanding skills, which TJ Crockett and Keith Braxton have shown with us. To be able to play in the BBL, you have to show that you have a leadership mentality, that you can lead a team. It’s about wanting to have the ball in crucial phases in close games and going up front, taking the team on your shoulders. We haven’t played half a season yet.”
In order to play in the BBL, you have to show that you have a leadership mentality and that you can lead a team.
Tobias Steinert, Managing Director of Sparkassen Stars Bochum, about the BBL chances of Myreon Jones and Antonio Williams
The overall conclusion shows that the jump to the BBL is possible for Jones and Williams – through clearly defined roles. Williams brings the athletic base and defensive qualities, Jones the throwing and game sense. Braxton’s versatility and discipline and Crockett’s immediate offensive influence show that the Bundesliga rewards specialization. Anyone who can rely on their strength reliably will find a door. The test of maturity now begins for Williams and Jones. If they remain stable under pressure and possibly lead Bochum into the playoffs – then the BBL phone could ring for them in the summer.
Tickets for the derby against Hagen on sale
It’s still a while until the derby against current league leaders Phoenix Hagen. The second leg will take place in Bochum on February 14th. Tickets for the game have been available since January 1st.
On the next match day, the Bochum team will be going to the Artland Dragons in Quakenbrück. It starts on Saturday, January 10th at 7:30 p.m.
The Bochum team await the Tigers Tübingen in their next home game. The game will take place on Saturday, January 17th from 7 p.m. There are still tickets.
Related reading
