Mark Dorris is a 188 cm guard playing in Germany in the BEKO BBL for Phoenix Hagen. He was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and visited Princeton high school. He then attended St. Catharine College for a year before transfering to Marshall where he played from 2005-2008. In his senior year, he played 30 games averaging 13.6ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.4apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 39.1%, 3Pts: 34.3%, FT: 75.9%.For Cuxhaven, he played 29 games: 18.3ppg, 4.8rpg, 3.7apg, Steals-3(2.3spg), FGP: 55.4%, 3PT: 26.7%, FT: 77.3%. he recently signed with BEKO BBL team Phoenix Hagen. He took some time to talk to German Hoops about basketball.

Mark thanks for talking to eurobasket.com again. How has your summer been in the States?

1st off thanks for the interview all ways My pleasure to speak to you all.My summer has been Fantastic back home in the States spending as much of my time with my Family and my Royal Team (My Home Friends).

We last talked 4 months ago. How has your life changed most in the last four months?

Wow it’s been 4months time has flown bye. My life has changed in some aspects but nothing to Drastic. I have really been focused on taking the right steps to enhance my Basketball Career.

How much did it hurt not being able to move up to the BEKO BBL even though the team played well enough to move up?

It was very tough it made my decision very difficult I have much love for the city of Cuxhaven I thank Management for the opportunity to start my career. But I also under stand the business side of things. I will miss the Fans and the city of Cuxhaven and most of all my teammates and coaching Staff. But we are on to the next chapter of my basketball Career and I am excited to get it started.

Was not being able to play in the BEKO BBL with Cuxhaven a reason that you left?

It Played a Role. A major roll. As a Lover of Basketball I all ways want to challenge my self and have continuous growth so the next step for me was the BBL.

What teammate will you miss the most from Cuxhaven?

Oh man I am going to miss all my guys we had a unique bond that was built in a short period of time. I am hoping to have similar relationships through out my career.

What will you miss the most from the city of Cuxhaven?

I will defiantly miss my man Mans Herman’s food from his restaurants. I will miss it all the whole experience nothing like your 1st time.

You signed with Phoenix Hagen recently. What do you know about this team?

I know they have a good Coach and a great fan base. They are willing to put in the work that it takes to be competitive in BBL.

Did you have any other interesting offers from other teams?

Yea I had a few teams that were interested in my talent.

Have you spoken to coach Ingo Freyer yet? What is your early impression of him?

I have not had the opportunity to really have a one on one with him but I hear great things about him time and time again.

Do you feel a lot of pressure to have to perform in Hagen, because the team is young and inexperienced, but on the other hand still have some more players to get?

I cant really say there is pressure more so excitement to see what we can do in the BBL as a young team.

Ex Cuxhaven players Rocky Trice, Danny Gibson and Monta Mcghee were able to make a good transition from the PRO A to the BEKO BBL. What do you think will be your biggest challenge in the early going?

I believe the biggest challenge early will be meshing with my new teammates getting to know the things my teammates like and the way they do things it will be just a matter of time.

Phoenix Hagen liked to play fast last season. You like to get going on defense first. Can we expect some quick fast break points from you to get the team going early?

Oh yes that’s my style so I will continue to do what got me here.

What will be your most important goal in training camp? Do you see yourself as a guy who could take over a leadership role despite no BEKO BBL experience?

My Most important goal in training camp for me will be trying to get everyone on the same page getting the feel for playing with one another. I definatly will take on a leadership roll and do so by my actions more than words by playing every play as if it was my last.

What player are you looking forward to playing against the most in the BEKO BBL?

Every single one.

How does a typical summer work out day look like for you?

Starts early with a  nice run. And then some gym work shots dribble drills and back later for some up and down Basketball against great talents from Cincinnati.

Have you been seeing Skyliner Quanez Robertson? Has he been diligently keeping in shape? Lol

Lol Yea I saw him at the summer league game and he seems to be ready to get back to work.

Who would win a one on one game? You or Quantez Robertson?

Of course lol but ask Tez the same and he will say he is going to win.. But in this sport you need that confidence to be successful. But he is a tremendous player I am happy we grew up playing and now play in the same Professional League I am looking forward to playing my fellow Cincinnati Brother.

Were you very disappointed that Lebron James turned his back on Ohio going to Miami or do people in Cincinnati, take these decisions more lightly?

Yea we defiantly take his decision more lightly. And shoot I am not mad at him have you seen South Beach Compared to Cleveland.Lol

How well will the Miami Heat do with Lebron James this season?

They will have a tremendous season but I don’t think they can win the NBA championship.. Kobe Bryant and the Lakers haven’t gone anywhere.

What was the last DVD that you saw?

Clash of the Titans Great movie…

(ROYALTY)

Thanks Mark fort he chat! Good luck with Phoenix Hagen.