Robert Turner is a 28 year old 206cm center from Buena Park, California. He played at the beautiful Pepperdine University in California from 2001-2005. His best season was 2002-2003 where he played 27 games averaging 7.0ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.4apg. In the fall of 2005, he became a member of the world famous Harlem Globetrotters and was able to tour the world and play the game he loves. In 2008, he decided to play organized basketball in Europe and went to Germany to play for the Koeln 99ers playing 34 games and averaging 9.1ppg, 3.6rpg, FGP: 60.0%, 3PT: 27.9%, FT: 65.6%. In the summer of 2009, he played in the IBL for the Phoenix Red Rock Raptors. Last season, he played for Lappeenranta NMKY (Finland-Korisliiga, starting five): 38 games: 19.0ppg, 6.1rpg, 2.2apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 55.8%, 3PT: 33.1%, FT: 71.0%. This season, he played for BC Steaua Turabo Bucuresti (Romania-Div.A) averaging 9,4ppg, 3,6rpg and 1,2apg and in Eurochallenge play averaged 8,6ppg and 2,9rpg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball and is looking for a team.

You played 8 games for BC Steaua Turabo Bucuresti (Romania-Div.A) and left the team. Why didnt this situation work out for you?

I played 8 eurochallenge games with them and 22 games overall but the situation and the overall experience didn’t pan out the way we had planned so it was best for me to start over else where.

What kind of an experience was it playing the Romania league? How did you like the skill level of the league?

The Romanian league is a lot stronger than most people think. There are some good players, teams and also some great coaches as well. I enjoyed the league and the competition.

How do you think was your game able to progress in the short time in Romania?

I was in Romania from August 5th until December 23rd. From the first day I got there we worked hard. I have changed my game a lot in that time frame and I am hoping to prove it very soon on someone’s team.

After playing in Germany and Finland, how was the lifestyle in Romania. I am sure it was somewhat a downgrade to the previous places?

The lifestyle in Romania wasn’t that much different from Germany. I was in Bucharest, so we had all the American restaurants I like to eat at and had a movie theater that had movies in english . So there wasn’t a big adjustment for me. A lot of the people spoke english too so that helped also.

After coming from the Harlem Globetrotters, you played for Rhine Energy Cologne and the last two years in lesser leagues Finland and Romania. I am sure you are a bit dissappointed that you didnt land in a stronger league?

I am a little disappointed that I wasn’t able to stay in Germany or move on to a stronger league. But that is the way things go sometimes and it just makes me work harder on my game and prove to myself that I belong in a top league.

Why has the market gotten so tough in last years? There seem to be more and more strong players playing in lower leagues than say 5 years ago.

I do not know the exact reason why the market is so tough right now but I think its a good thing for some of the lower leagues because now they get to see some of these top players that they usually would not get a chance to see on a regular basis.

What is a strength in your game that doesnt always get noticed right away?

I think a strength in my game that goes unnoticed right away is the fact that I can shoot better than people think. At first glance most people think I am only an athlete. And as they see me more and more they notice I can also shoot too.

What is your biggest strength in your game which would help any team at this moment?

The biggest strength in my game is that I always bring energy. I think that can help many teams. I never get tired and I am always ready to work .

How much would you like to play in Germany again in the BEKO BBL?

I would love to play again in Germany. I never wanted to leave in the first place, but things happen for a reason and hopefully I will be back in the future.

What do you miss most about Germany?

I miss Germany because of the basketball fans they have there. The people know basketball and actually enjoy it. Its not an up and coming sport to them.

What was your nicest memory playing in the BEKO BBL with Rhine Energy Cologne?

The nicest memory I had playing for cologne was playing with my teammates everyday. We became close and I still keep in contact with a lot of them. I talk to a lot of them almost everyday still.

Who was the toughest opponent that you had in the BEKO BBL as a player?

The toughest opponent I faced in the BBL as a team I would have to say Alba, Frankfurt, and Bonn. Those games were always challenging for myself. I couldn’t name just one player that was tough to face because there were a lot of them back then and still are today.

How often did Phillip Schwethelm amaze you with his shooting in practice in Cologne?

Philip was a hard worker. He showed up everyday early to practice and was working on his shot. He would win pretty much all of the shooting games. And it has paid off for him. I check up on him every now and then on him and see he shooting the ball very well. Its good to see him doing well. Same with Tibor.

Who won a one on one in practice in Romania you or VIRGIL STANESCU who played with the Opel Skyliners?

LOL. That is a question you would have to ask him. Everyday I would try to dunk on him and everyday he would foul me. Virgil is a very skilled big man but he has no chance against me! LOL

Which 2 teams will reach the Superbowl?

I am not sure what other team will make it but I know the Patriots will be in it. They are playing well. Im just waiting for my San Diego Chargers to start rebuilding!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last DVD movie that I saw was Despicable Me.

Thanks Robert for the chat.