Kyle Bailey is a 27 year old 188 cm guard from Fairbanks Alaska that is a very smart player who handles the ball well, performs well under pressure and regularly is the first player at practice and the last to leave. He played at Santa Clara with Macabbi Tel Aviv guard Doron Perkins from 2000-2005. In his senior year, he played 31 games averaging 14.8ppg, 4.7rpg, 4.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 37.2%, 3Pts: 31.3%. In his first professional season in 2005-2006, he split time between the Florida Flame(NBDL) and BK Riga of the Latvian league.

In 2006-2007, he went to Germany to play for BG Goettingen playing 29 games and averaging 20.8ppg, 5.7rpg, 3.0apg, 2.8spg, 2FGP: 48.1%, 3FGP: 35.9%, FT: 77.0%. He led the team into the BBL winning the second league north. In 2007-2008, he played for Ratiopharm Ulm playing 18 games averaging 12.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.4apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 64.5%. Last season, he helped lead MEG Goettingen into the playoffs playing 23 games and averaging 14.4ppg, 4.3rpg, 3.3apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 43.5%, 3PT: 32.1%, FT: 74.2%. He sat down with German Hoops after leaving EnBW Ludwigsburg.

Kyle, your season ended a little early with EnBW Ludwigsburg. How disappointed are you with the termination of your contract?

I am pretty disappointed.

If someone had told you in training camp that you would be going back to the States in mid February with your season over, what would you have said?

I would have said that meant I got hurt again!!! Haha

Why wasn´t EnBW Ludwigsburg and Kyle Bailey a match made in heaven?

I have been trying to figure it out as well. I really haven’t been able to put my finger on it. I guess the only thing I can point to was our record.

In the 84-79 win against The Paderborn Baskets, you only played 4 minutes. Was this the first sign where you noticed that something was wrong?

No, I was aware of the situation much earlier than that.

When the club brought in TJ Thompson, how sure were you that your days would be numbered?

I was sure before they brought him in.

What were the reasons for you having to go? Many people said that you didn´t fit into the style of the Ludwigsburg style?

Well, I think the club invested a lot in the team this year and they want immediate results. When we began losing I guess human nature took over and it became time to point fingers.

You averaged 8,8ppg, 3,9rpg, 2,5apg, 1,0spg and shot only 18% from three point land. How happy were you with your own performance?

The most important numbers are 10-11, our record with me on the team. I know what I am capable of on the court, I am most disappointed with our record as a team.

Why was your three point shooting so consistently low this season? Too many contested shots?

I was thinking about the right pass or the right play. I actually had more open looks from three this year than the last two years combined. Looking back at the situation I realize I wasn’t just playing ball like I know how to.

How good was your relationship with coach Tolga Öngören?

I thought it was good, but when you start losing it puts pressure on those relationships.

Will EnBW Ludwigsburg reach the playoffs this season? What does the team still need to do to reach the promised land after not being there the last two years?

That is a good question. Talent definitely isn’t an issue. It all depends on their focus and whether they want to work together to reach the playoffs.

There have been rumours that Tolga Öngören is on the hot seat. Is the coach reaching his team?

He was reaching me when I was there. As far as the rumours, I have never listened to rumours.

Do you think it is a pity that the club doesn´t give German David McCray some self confidence and let him play more. He showed a spirited game against Paderborn playing 40 minutes. Now he has TJ Thompson in front of him.

No, it’s not sad. It’s called “self-confidence” because of where it comes from, self. David is very capable of becoming the best German in the BBL when he decides to. He and other Germans must take playing time and stop waiting for someone to “give” it to them. Being good doesn’t mean things are given to you.

What was your fondest memory in your short time with EnBW Ludwigsburg?

Haynes shot against Tuebingen and our comeback against ULM.

What would you like to say to the faithful fans?

I want to thank the fans for their dedication and hard work. I tried my best to match it. I also want to thank Ludwigsburg, Ulm, and Goettingen for the opportunity to play the game I love in Germany. I know it’s not a “development league” but I did develop as a player and as a person.

What is your agenda now? I am a bit surprised that you aren´t staying in Europe because there are a few more weeks where teams can still add players.

As a player and a team captain I invested a lot in Ludwigsburg. So, to have the situation end like this is a bit of a shock. I am back here in the States working out and figuring out my next move, no pun intended.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners have a few tryout players, but do you think you could fit into their system as point guard?

That is a really good question.

I guess BG Goettingen is filled with guards. I am sure you would love to go back there?

Goettingen and I have obviously had a great history, the people there did the most for my career. But, they are already headed in the right direction and I wish them all the best.

Are you going to watch the Winter Olympics? What events do you like?

Well, I am from Alaska, so used to do all of the events at recess. Haha. I like the Snowboarding events and I like Shani Davis, he’s good.

All the best Kyle hope to see back in Germany soon.

Thanks Miles.