Jibril Hodges is a 26 year old 188cm guard that was born in San Diego, California but grew up in Chicago as his dad was a member of the Chicago Bulls in the early 90s. He is a athletic player with great shooting prowess from behind the arc. He played at Long Beach, university from 2002-2006. In his senior year he played 30 games: 14.1ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.0spg, FG: 40.6%, 3PT: 37.3%, FT: 84.9%. At Long Beach, he made the  Big West All-Freshman Team 2003, was All-Big West Honorable Mention 2005, was a Big West Tournament Finalist 2006 and made All-Big West 1st Team 2006. In 2006, he was drafted by the Fort Worth Flyers (D-League,8rd (93)). In 2007-2008, he played in the CBA for Butte Daredevils and left during the season, came back in Feb.2008: 34 games: 14.7ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.9apg, FGP: 46.7%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 76.8%. In 2008-2009, he came to Germany and played for USC Heidelberg in the PRO A playing 29 games: Score-3(18.8ppg), 2.6rpg, 2.9apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 60.9%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 85.7%. Last season at USC Heidelberg, he played 30 games: Score-4(19.4ppg), 3.7rpg, 3.9apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 62.3%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 84.7%. He recently made the jump to the BEKO BBL signing with the Duesseldorf Giants. Jibril took the rapid 10 miles questions basketball exchange for German Hoops talking basketball.

Congrats on getting signed by the BEKO BBL team Duesseldorf glory. After two years in the PRO A with Heidelberg, now your first shot in the first league. How have you been able to pick up your game in the last two seasons.

I think in the last two seasons I improved my leadership abilities. That I think was the most important improvement.

You improved your stats from your first season in almost every category except free throw shooting. 2008-2009: In Oct.’08 signed at USC Heidelberg (Germany-ProA, starting five): 29 games: Score-3(18.8ppg), 2.6rpg, 2.9apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 60.9%, 3PT: 32.3%, FT: 85.7%2009-2010: USC Heidelberg (Germany-ProA, starting five): 30 games: Score-4(19.4ppg), 3.7rpg, 3.9apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 62.3%, 3PT: 35.7%, FT: 84.7%. How prepared are you at making the next step in the BEKO BBL?

Im excited about the opportunity to prove myself on the BBL level, Im grateful that Coach Murat Didin took a chance on me.

What do you know about the Duesseldorf Giants? Will you be bale to fall in love with Duesseldorf the way you are with Los Angeles?

I dont know much about the Giants, I didnt watch very many BBL games last season because I was focussing on my own season in Heidelberg. But I am excited about playing for the fans and a great coach. Its a very nice city, I think I will be very comfortable here.

The Duesseldorf Giants have been adding many inexperienced players as well as guys from lower leagues. It seems like it will be a tough season for the team. You were a scorer last season in the PRO A. I can imagine that you will be ago to guy with Deandre Haynes and Nikita Kharchenkov. Do you feel a lot of pressure?
I dont feel any pressure at all. I think this team is excited for the challenge and we all want to improve and become better players. Im excited to play with the entire team and especially Kharchenkov and Haynes. I will learn alot from them because they have experience in this league.

How excited are you about playing for Murat Didin. What is your impression of him and how comfortable are you saying the word Baba? Thats what he calls everyone. Lol

Im excited, he has a great deal of experience at high levels of basketball, and a great resume. Im excited to learn from him. I havent been called baba yet. So I will let you know later how it feels.

How was your summer? How does a typical workout day look like for Jibril Hodges?

My summer was good. Typically I worked out in Los Angeles with great trainers on the court Kris Johnson and his father NBA legend Marcus Johnson from 9 to 11:30. Then I would weight train, and play pick up ball at night. Of course, I got alot of training from my dad Craig Hodges. He helps me all the time.

What was the most important advice that your dad Craig Hodges gave you about this new job?

He just told me that he supports me all the way. Always improve and focus on making the correct basketball play.

What is a hidden strength in your game that nobody knows about?

I would say that I am a great teamate. Usually when a guy scores alot, his team may not enjoy playing with him, but for me, my teamates enjoy playing with me.

When are we going to see Oliver Komarek in the BEKO BBL? What is so outstanding about his game?

Oliver is great! I wish he would come to Dusseldorf now! I think its up to him when he wants to come. I believe he is ready but he may feel he has something to prove this year in Heidelberg. He is versatile, he can shoot and handle the ball well. He is consistently improving his game, inside, and defensively.

How will the Miami Heat do with Lebron James?

They will be very good but I dont think they will be the Lakers!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last movie I watched on dvd was Avatar.

Thanks Jibril for the chat! Good luck with Duesseldorf!