Bryan Bailey is a 30 year old 185cm combo guard that is playing his 9th professional basketball season playing with The Artland Dragons. He is a true team leader both on and off the court. He possesses a diverse game, with an ability to stroke the long-range jumper, penetrate to the rim or distribute the ball. He is solid on the defensive end of the floor as well. His fierce competitive drive rubs off on his teammates. He started his professional basketball career at Bucknell and player there from 1998-2002 and in his senior year played 17 games averaging 18.1ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.4apg. He made All-Patriot League 1st Team in 2001 and 2002. In 2002-2003, he started his professional basketball season in Germany with DJK S. Oliver Wurzburg (Germany-1Bundesliga, starting five): 26 games, 15.4ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.4spg. In 2003-2004, he played in Holland for Landstede Zwolle (Holland-Eredivisie, starting five): 35 games: 17.5ppg, 4.0rpg, 3.1apg, 2.4spg, 0.2bpg. He then played with The Artland Dragons from 2004-2007 reaching the league and cup final in 2007. His best statistical season was 2005-2006 playing 33 games and averaging 11.4ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.7apg, 1.7spg, 2FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 25.3%. In 2007-2008, he played with Bosna ASA BH Telecom Sarajevo (Bosnia-D1, starting five): ULEB Cup: 12 games: 10.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 4.5apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 54.1%, 3PT: 20.8%, FT: 84.3%. In 2008-2009, he played in Poland for PGE Turow Zgorzelec (Poland-DBE): Eurocup: 6 games: 7.3ppg, 2.7rpg, 1.7apg, 1.7spg; Polish League: 32 games: 8.0ppg, 1.8rpg, 2.8apg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 32.4%, FT: 77.0%. Last season, he played with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg playing Euroleague: 4 games: 8.3ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.8apg; German League: 6 games: 9.3ppg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 50.0%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 89.7%. He sat down and spoke with German Hoops about basketball.

The Artland Dragons have missed the playoffs the last two seasons. Do the players feel added pressure to make the playoffs?

No I feel we dont feel any pressure. We all have the same goals and that is too reach the playoffs.

How is the atmosphere with the fans? Do sense some impatience form them to reach the playoffs again?

There is a little impatience from them. I remember back in 2007, the atmosphere was more lively, but we are working very hard to get back to the playoffs this season.

The Artland Dragons are very deep this season. What is always the most difficult thing to do for a team that is so deep?

I think it is getting a chemistry and getting everyone on the same page. The guys need to work together as a team on the court.

There seemed to be some missing chemistry the last years. How is the chemistry so far this season?

We have good chemistry. We have good guys on the team and no one has a big ego. We are working hard together especially on improving our defense.

Everyone knows that The Artland Dragons can score, but will the team be able to get everyone on the same page on defense?

We have to work on getting our defense more consistent. There are going to be days where our shots aren´t going to be falling and we will need to play good defense. We are working on getting our defense more consistent.

The Artland Dragons have to very experienced guards with Dominic Jones and yourself. Tyrese Rice is playing his second professional season. How much potential does he have and how is your relationship to him?

He has very much potential. he knows basketball well and is a great player. He has quick hands and is always working hard to get better. We get along very well on and off the court.

You played three seasons for Chris Fleming. Now you play for German coach Stefan Koch. Is there a big difference playing for a German coach?

No there is no real difference. I played for other coaches in otehr countries and there was no difference either.

Ibekwe is a very athletic player. What has impressed you the most with his game?

I am most impressed with his defense. He gets steals, gets his hand on the ball and gets in the passing lanes. When we get beat, he comes over to the weak side and just cleans up.

Was it a hard decision coming back to the Artland Dragons?

It was an easy decision to come back. I knew the management and town and they always made me feel at home.

Adam Hess came back a third time and you a second time to The Artland Dragons. There must be something special for you to always come back?

I think it is the small town feeling which feels like family. The basketball atmosphere is special.

You played the last years for Bosnia and Poland. How did you develop as a player?

I was playing more point guard in those countries. It gave me valuable experience and made me smarter as a player.

What is a strength in your game that doesn´t always get noticed right away?

I think it is the little things that you don´t see in the stats like getting my hands on loose balls, deflections or taking charges.

Who was an NBA player as a kid that you couldn´´t stand?

Bill Lambeer of the Detriot Pistons. He was always fouling people or hitting them. I did like how he played dirty.

Who was the best player that you played against in the NCAA with Bucknell?

Khalid El Amin

You played for The Artland Dragons from 2004-2007. What was missing from winning the German title?

We were close to winning. I think we could of won if we had had Filiberto Riviera. Our guard rotation was hurt with the loss of Riviera.

What is your fondest memory of Michael hakim Jordan?

Mike is a good guy. We were always competing in practice and it was a great time.

You played together with Alex Harris in Poland. Harris is leading EnBW Ludwigsburg in scoring. Can he become a top player in the BEKO BBL?

Harris is an explosive scorer and is very good off the dribble. He can become a top player in the BEKO BBL.

Who wins a one on one,  you or Dominic Jones?

It goes back and fourth. Dom is hard to beat. He can score in many different ways.

What were the most free throws that you made in a row in practice?

60.

What would you like to do after your basketball career?

I would like to get into real estate or train little kids.

What are your hobbies?

reading, swimming and watching movies.

What do you do in Quackenbruck when you get bored?

I have a nine month year old son so I am never bored.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Salt.

Thanks for the chat Bryan