A New Playmaker Shines in Göttingen
Finding the perfect fit can take time, but BG Göttingen head coach Roel Moors’ patience has clearly paid off. After guard Zack Bryant’s departure for Finland in late November, the Bundesliga basketball club was actively seeking a replacement, ideally someone with playmaking abilities. Enter Harald Frey, who officially joined the team on january 26th. Just last weekend, the Norwegian made his debut in the BG jersey against Ulm at the Sparkassen-Arena, instantly impressing fans adn coaches alike.Frey’s performance spoke volumes. In just over 22 minutes on the court, the 24-year-old led the team with an remarkable 21 points. He demonstrated remarkable accuracy, sinking 50% of his two-point attempts (2 out of 4) and an even more impressive 60% from beyond the arc (3 out of 5). Frey was flawless from the free throw line, converting all eight attempts, and contributed five assists to his teammates while committing zero turnovers. these are the kind of statistics that dreams are made of for a guard who recently transitioned from Spain’s second division to southern Lower Saxony.
Despite these stellar numbers, Frey remains focused on the team’s success. “Winning and helping the team are what matter most,” he stated two days after his debut. While admitting to some initial nerves, Frey expressed confidence after a “great week of training” and credited the team’s welcoming atmosphere for making his transition smooth.
Exploring a New Home
In his first few days in Göttingen, Frey has primarily focused on settling into his new home on Von-Ossietzky-Strasse and familiarizing himself with the basketball center on Schützenplatz. However, he has also taken the chance to explore the city, which he describes as “very beautiful.” He has already visited the pedestrian zone and is eager to discover more of Göttingen’s restaurants and shops.
Frey’s decision to move from Oviedo, a second division club in northern Spain, to Göttingen was a carefully considered one, made in consultation with his family. The allure of playing in the Bundesliga was a major draw for the young player. While Göttingen was unfamiliar territory, Frey was excited by the opportunity.
A New Beginning in Göttingen: Harald Frey Makes a Splash
Harald Frey couldn’t be happier with his new surroundings. “It’s all very exciting,” he shared,expressing his enthusiasm for joining the BG Göttingen team.
The 24-year-old point guard was immediately welcomed by his new teammates, who went above and beyond to help him acclimate. They readily shared their knowledge of the team’s strategies and offered valuable advice on navigating life in Göttingen beyond the basketball court. “They are all great guys who are incredibly helpful,” frey remarked, highlighting the warm and supportive atmosphere within the team.
Frey was also impressed by the club’s professionalism. He noted the team’s dedication to finding swift solutions to any challenges that arise, creating a smooth transition for him. This supportive environment allowed him to quickly establish himself within the team and contribute effectively.
A Stellar Debut Ignites Fan Excitement
Frey’s impressive performance in his debut game against Ulm garnered widespread praise. The easyCredit BBL website lauded his performance, proclaiming, “What a debut from Harald Frey! Welcome to the easyCredit BBL!” MagentaSport commentator Stefan Koch was equally effusive, stating that he ran out of superlatives to describe Frey’s game.
Fans took to social media to express their delight. Sascha schmidt commented on Facebook, “What a player.Over 20 points in his first game…outstanding. I’m thrilled!” Manu Ko echoed the sentiment, stating, “A very good game and a great debut from Harald Frey, amazing! now a good power forward that can be used variably on 4/5.Then the playoffs are within reach!”
Even Lettis Dirk, known for his critical analysis, was impressed, writing, “Liberation Strike! Apparently the BG is simply better at the small ball than the classic center game!”
Frey himself was energized by the electric atmosphere in the arena. “It sounded like more than just 500 fans,” he observed. “I have the impression that the fans love their team. And I’m looking forward to even more spectators coming.”
Looking Ahead: A Challenging Road Trip
While the BG Göttingen team knows the sting of defeat in Chemnitz, they are determined to bounce back. Their next challenge awaits them on Wednesday with an away game against a formidable opponent. The team will be looking to build on Frey’s impressive debut and secure a victory.
Giants Struggle from beyond the Arc, Fall to Chemnitz
The MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg suffered a setback on Saturday, falling to the Chemnitz niners in a tightly contested matchup. Despite the close standings between the two teams, the giants’ offense struggled to find its rhythm, notably from three-point range. This marked the second consecutive game where Ludwigsburg’s long-range shooting proved ineffective, raising concerns about their offensive consistency.The Niners, led by former BG coach John Patrick, effectively stifled the Giants’ attack, limiting their opportunities and controlling the boards. chemnitz dominated the rebounding battle, securing 44 rebounds to Ludwigsburg’s 31, further highlighting the Giants’ struggles.
Newcomer Tekele Cotton made his debut for Ludwigsburg, but the team never managed to take the lead throughout the game. A dismal 16% shooting percentage from beyond the arc, with only four of 25 attempts finding the net, ultimately sealed their fate.this loss follows a similar pattern to Ludwigsburg’s recent Champions League defeat against Holon, where they also struggled from three-point range, connecting on just 16.9% of their attempts.
While the Giants currently sit in sixth place in the BBL standings, just ahead of Göttingen, their three-point shooting woes are a cause for concern. They currently rank 13th in the league in three-point percentage (34%), trailing behind the BG (40.4%) and Ulm (43.3%), who demonstrated their sharpshooting prowess by sinking 15 three-pointers in their recent victory.
Harald Frey: A Scoring Spark Ignites BG Göttingen
The BG Göttingen basketball club may have found their new playmaking catalyst in Harald Frey, a Norwegian guard whose Bundesliga debut elicited excitement and renewed hope for the team. After losing Zack Bryant to Finland, Coach Roel Moors needed a replacement who could orchestrate the offence and provide an offensive spark. in Frey, he appears to have unearthed a gem.
Frey’s debut against Ulm was nothing short of sensational. In just over 22 minutes, he led the team with a scorching 21 points, showcasing remarkable shooting accuracy from both inside (50%) and beyond the arc (60%). He was flawless from the free throw line and demonstrated a playmaker’s vision with five assists, all while committing zero turnovers. These numbers are remarkable for any player, let alone one adapting to a new league and team.
While Frey’s individual brilliance is undeniable, it’s his focus on collective success that’s truly remarkable. “Winning and helping the team are what matter most,” he stated, demonstrating the selfless attitude that coaches covet.
Frey’s transition to Göttingen has been seamless, aided by a welcoming team environment and the club’s unwavering professionalism. The veteran guard expressed gratitude for his teammates’ support and lauded the association’s dedication to making his transition smooth. This positive environment seems to be fostering Frey’s growth both as a player and a person.
Looking Ahead:
Frey’s arrival has injected a dose of optimism into the BG Göttingen camp. His scoring prowess and playmaking abilities have the potential to elevate the team’s level of play. However, expectations should remain tempered as he continues to adjust to the Bundesliga’s rigors.
Frey’s debut is undeniably promising, but it’s just the beginning of his journey in Göttingen. If he can maintain his current form and seamlessly integrate with his teammates, Harald Frey could become the catalyst that propels BG Göttingen to new heights. The team and its fans will be eagerly watching as he continues to develop and make his mark on German basketball.
