On Wednesday evening (8:30pm, Telekom Dome), the Baskets will try to even things out in the play-off series after an initial loss to Brose Bamberg 74:87 in Franken. And once again, Gamble will be introduced as “the king”, which some might consider premature praise. But the “king” nickname doesn’t have anything to do with overconfidence or arrogance, rather his hair style. The similarity to the Lemur king from the U.S. animated film “Madagascar” is unmistakable. Still, the nickname sits. And no question that Gamble likes it.

He is the center for the German league team Telekom Baskets; she is a versatile play-maker for the first women’s team of the club. Essentially, L’Oreal Gamble is far too good for the regional league, but she is glad she has the opportunity to play basketball in Bonn.

She had already gained some professional experience in Serbia and Romania when she met Julian in Durham, North Carolina. "It was in the gym," says Julian. "I was the best (basketball) player she ever saw." She looks amused: "We met in the gym, that’s the truth," she admits, "but the best basketball player I' ever saw?" She shakes her head and rolls her eyes. "But we’re married now," he says. "So: Am I the best basketball player you ever saw?" She laughs: "Yes, the best."

Gamble is an entertainer. He proved that on Allstar Day. In January he was invited to a dunking competition and he tried to cheat a little on Team International. This resulted in short videos with high entertainment value. He's hilarious, but he's not just a clown. Gamble is also reflective. He used Allstar Day to make a negative comment about President Trump in front of rolling cameras, but he justified his statement well.

"If something is important to me or us, we use social media to express our opinion - we just like to do that - people should know that I'm two persons - one on the court and one off," he says. Jay dribbles around the table and sings. "I mostly post for our family (to see)," says L'Oreal, "We are the only ones in Europe, they should know we're fine, see what we’re doing here and how Jay is growing up," says L'O - she too has a nickname.

Julian Gamble is known in his team as the "glue guy", the guy who holds the shop together. He takes care of his teammates, has an open ear for them. In American sports, there are almost scientific papers on how important this "glue guy" is for a team. This too could well play a role in the upcoming contract negotiations. The fact that Gamble is one of the best centers in the league has already been taken note of by others.

The season is coming to an end, the exact timing depending on how far the Baskets make it in the playoffs. So it’s time for the Gambles to do some thinking. His contract expires, and it has always been important to him to keep developing. The next step awaits.

Can he take the next step in Bonn or will he have to move? “I’m guessing we have to move,” he says and pauses for effect. “For sure I can take the next step here, but we need a bigger apartment. Jay needs more space, and we want a brother or sister for him.”

It’s important to him that his wife can also play basketball in Bonn. “Bonn has become a very special place for us - not just because of basketball. We have been here since Jay was four months old. He is a real Bonner. Bonn is a big part of our lives.”

But Gamble is also an ambitious athlete. Just feeling good is not enough. “I wanted to play Champions League, and we did. But it didn’t go the way we wanted. The next step would be to come back after summer and then get to where we belong in Europe - in the playoffs. There are still goals to be reached with Bonn. My son is happy here, and so is my wife. That matters most to me, so it could become home for us for a long time.”

But first he has something to tackle. The equalizer game against Bamberg is the first goal, then the semi-final. “You can’t worry about the missed opportunity, you just have to be ready for the next one.” L’Oreal and Jay will be watching from home in North Carolina.

They have already left for the summer break because after the regional league, L'Oreal is now playing in the U.S. in the second division for Carolina Lady Rush.

She’ll smile when the “king” walks into the arena and then take in the game as a professional - unless her husband is in focus. For example, when he goes to the free throw line. Then she will keep her fingers crossed, which is sometimes necessary although it has gotten much better over the season. The takeaway tip from Coach L’O to Julian: “Just relax and play...take a deep breath and go out there and take care of business. Because you’re a great player and you’re unstoppable when you relax.”

And there is also a little fan who is daddy’s biggest fan. He will be watching from 7,000 kilometers away, and clapping along in rhythm with the Bonn fans.

(Orig. text: Tanja Schneider / Translation: ck)