Bastian Doreth is a 21 year old 183cm point guard that was born in Nurnberg. He started his basketball career with Franken Hexer (2.Regionalliga) in 2006. In 2007-2008, he played with Baskets Nuernberg (ProA, starting five): 27 games: 5.4ppg, 2.1rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 40.4%, 3PT: 30.5%, FT: 57.1%. In 2008-2009, he played for Franken Hexer (ProB, starting five): 27 games: 11.5ppg, 4.1rpg, 4.0apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 39.3%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 79.1%. In the summer of 2009, he played the Championships U20 in Rhodos (Greece) -09: 5 games: 9.4ppg, 3.8rpg, 2.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 47.1%, FT: 78.6%. Last season, he played for Baskets Bamberg (1.Bundesliga): EuroCup: 1 game: 0pts, had also license to play at Nuernberger Basketball Club (ProB): 28 games: 11.5ppg, 3.3rpg, Assists-4(5.8apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 46.1%, 3PT: 41.8%, FT: 74.5%. He took some time and spoke with German Hoops about basketball and Bayern Munich.
What is it like playing for Bayern Munich? You play against many young Germans every week. Is it difficult as a young German playing for Bayern Munich?
It is a huge privilege to play for Bayern Munich. I am happy to be able to play against other young Germans and they are always asking me what it is like playing there. I feel very good playing for the team. I think that the level in the PRO A is better this season and it is great that so many young Germans are getting more minutes.
Many spoke about Bayern Munich being undefeated this season, but the team lost to Wurzburg. Were these predictions unrealistic?
It is never easy to be undefeated, but we had many early injuries into the season. We might lose one or two more games, but our goal is to be in first place at the end of the season. We have to give credit to Wurzburg. They are a good team with good players and deserved to beat us on that day.
How big is the basketball excitement in Munich? Has it been growing in the last months?
When I got to Munich in the summer, I would never have thought that the games would be sold out so quickly. There is a lot of interest from the media and people recognize you on the street.
Is there a lot of pressure to win every week?
I think that there is more pressure than ever for us to win. Every team is very motivated to beat us and it is their game of the year. There is more pressure and criticism from the media, but the organization is behind us.
What have you learned from coach Dirk Bauermann in the short time?
Bauermann is a coach that likes strategy and he taught me quickly to always be thinking two steps ahead. He also has told me to be more calm, controlled and not be as wild anymore as I was at times in the PRO B. I feel that after every game and practice that I am getting better.
How pleased are you with your playing time for Bayern Munich?
I am very happy with the playing time which has happened due to the injury of Demond Greene. I hope to keep developing this season.
Is it like a dream to be able to practice everyday with German national players Demond Greene and Stefan Hamann?
I remember watching them play four years ago on TV. Both are always there even with their injuries and giving us tips. Alexsandar Nadjfeji also helps me a lot which is something I would never have dreamed about. happening having a great player like him helping me each day in practice.
What does Robert Garrett bring to the team besides his experience?
I already knew Garrett from last season when I was playing with a license for Nurnberg/Bamberg. He is a great guy with a lot of experience. Many say he is not athletic, but I have seldom seen a player like Garrett who can use his body so well and shoot so well. He helps the young players very much.
How does Darius Hall make you laugh?
He is a great guy and always has something to say and always gives 150%. Whenever we are at a restaurant, he always entertains us.
Beckham Wyrick seems to also be a type of energizer in the team. He seems not to get so much credit, but helps the team in so many ways. How important is he for the team?
He doesn´t really get credit in the media, but the whole team knows how important he is. He gives everything in each game, is our best rebounder and a good defender. He is also a very efficient player that never has a bad game.
Who were basketball idols as a kid?
Mithat Demirel and Pascal Roller. In the NBA it was Kobe Bryant. I like how well he understands the game.
You played with Will Chavis last season at NBC. What did you learn from him?
Will was a great teammate. He understands the game so well. We would watch a lot of video together.
What is a strength in your game that doesn´t always get noticed right away?
That I am a good team player and always give 100% for the team. I also always try to motivate the team and fire up guys when it is needed.
You played at the U-20 European Championships in 2009 in Rhodos. Who was the best player that you played against in that tournament?
I would say Bogdan Bogdanovic(5.6rpg, 2.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 50.9%, 3PT: 31.0%, FT: 79.3%)
who was an offensive rocket.
What were the most free throws that you ever made in a row?
49.
Who wins a one on one in practice, you or Jonathan Wallace?
It is 50-50. He has a lot of experience, but I beat him a few times in practice.
What was your most crazy shot that you ever made?
I kicked a ball from the opponents free throw line that went in with a swish.
What would you like to do after your basketball career?
I want to get into international management and my big dream is to open up a sneaker store.
What is your favorite NBA team?
Last season it was the Oklahoma Thunder. I really liked how young players could dominate for them. This season, I dont have a favorite team yet, but it wont be the Miami Heat.
What was the last DVD movie that you saw?
Wallstreet 1 with Michael Douglas.
Thanks for the chat Bastian.