Qarraan Calhoun is a 23 year old 203 cm forward that is playing his first season in Germany with The Deutsche Bank Skyliners. He is from Long Branch, New Jersey and played at Bridgton Academy in Maine averaging 19.0ppg, 4.0bpg, 3.0apg. He visited three schools in three years, before turning professional. In his freshman year, he played at St Johns playing 31 games and averaging 5.9ppg, 4.0rpg, FGP: 41.4%, 3Pts: 30.6%, FT: 63.1%. In his second year, he played at Barton County CC (JUCO) playing 31 games and averaging 16.8ppg, 7.3rpg, 2.1apg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 62.8%. Last season, he played at Houston (further informations, video) playing 33 games and averaging 10.2ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.1apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 46.6%, 3Pts: 35.0%, FT: 59.0%.

German Hoops had a chat with the young American about basketball and life.

You played at the University of Houston and now your playing for The Deutsche Bank Skyliners. You should be used to the big city feeling in Frankfurt?

Before Houston, I was my freshman year at St Johns in New York. I feel very comfortable in big cities.

You could still be playing at Houston and finishing school, but you became a professional basketball player for a specific reason. You have to feed your son. How difficult was it leaving school early and turning pro at 22 years of age?

It was a very difficult decision and was a big step in my life. I could have stayed and got my degree, but I decided it was more important to support my son. As a pro, I get enough per month to be able to do this. I can still get my degree later. I felt supporting my son this way was the right step.

Your father wasn´t there as a kid. How difficult was it growing up without a dad and with four sisters?

It was hard. I was the man of the house at a very young age. At times, it was a real struggle. We often had no food my mom was gone at times also, because she was a drug addict.I was home alone often and had to grow up quickly at a young age.

Who made you to what you are today?

My uncle Bob Johnson. He molded me into what I am today. I was kind of a wild boy. He told me a lot of lessons of how I should act. He taught me right from wrong and I am very thankful for him being there.

You are a very versatile player at the 3/4 position. What is your biggest strength as a player?

I don’t really know, because I feel that I can do so much. I don’t really try to focus on one thing, but just try to help the team in many ways. But I think that my biggest strength is my shot blocking something that the league doesn´t really know yet.

I already have a nickname for you for my radio broadcasts with Mr. Wild. How do you like that? I think you know how I came upon this name?

Mr Wild, I can work with that. I want to be more wild and yes I know where you got that form. Murat wants me to be more wild.

Derrick Allen said that you were like a big kid in Antalya, Turkey. You seemed to really enjoy yourself there?

Antalya was great. I had never seen such a nice place in my lie. I have never been overseas before so this is all new to me. I am like a big kid, because I am always happy. I want to show my son that I am a happy person and not some dad who will be hard to his son.

How is your relationship to coach Murat Didin? He thinks very highly of you. But maybe has gotten some extra grey hairs with your play at times?

That is a funny question. I just try to play his way, but at the same time just try to stay comfortable on the court. I just want to play without thinking to much on the court.

You have already showed your shot blocking qualities in pre season. Which defensive player is your role model?

I like Josh Smith. At first, he wasn´t really seen as a shot blocker, but developed into one. He is sneaky when blocking shots and I try to mimic him a bit when I am on the court.

Who was the best player that you have ever played against?

Jermaine Taylor from Central Flordia that is playing for the Houston Rockets now. He can do so many things with dribbling, passing, shooting, is fast and is simply freaky athletic.

Have you discovered German Food yet?

I haven´t really had much, but what I have had I have liked. I like visiting Mcdonalds, but often just cook at home going to Toom getting chicken to cook.

What was the last DVD that you saw?

Paid in full.

Thanks Quarraan. Good luck in Oldenburg!

Thanks