Jimmy McKinney is a 26 year old 192cm guard from St Louis. He is a is a solid knock-down shooter, but also can score from penetration and with rim-rattling dunks. He played at Vashon High School winning the State tournament three times. He played at Missouri from 2002-2006 with well known players like Ricky Paulding, Travon Bryant and Jason Conley. In his senior year he played 28 games averaging 12.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 2.3apg, FG: 40.6%, 3PT: 35.5%, FT: 78.2%.  He turned professional in 2006 and joined the Deutsche Bank Skyliners. In his rookie season, he played 30 games averaging 12.3ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.6apg, 2FGP: 44.9%, 3FGP: 38.5%, FT: 77.2%. He is playing his fifth season in Frankfurt and spoke to German Hoops before the game against The Giessen 46ers March 5th.

Congrats on the superb 83-72 win against The New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig. Where does the team find this energy despite not having Pascal Roller and Dominik Bahiense de Mello?

We are showing a lot of character and very much mental toughness.

How would you describe this special character?

We just know how to deal with every situation. All guys are stepping up. If one guys goes down than there is another guy that steps up.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners are playing a great season. Where would the team be if AJ Moye and Roger Powell had been here from the start? Would we have been able to beat Bamberg?

Of course we would be as good as Bamberg. I still think that we could beat them with the personal that we have now. If we had each guy healthy than we would be the team to beat.

How is this team different than the team Gordon Herbert got at the end of last season?

The teams are different. Last season, coach Herbert came at the end and he couldnt change much. I think that if he had had the same team last season from the start it would be as successful as this team. A lot of the success has to do with Gordon Herbert.

What do The Deutsche Bank Skyliners still have to do to beat The Brose Baskets Bamberg in a five game series?

We will have to be ready to play each game. The most important thing will have to be able to match their intensity.

What is the secret to the successful team defense of Frankfurt?

We play good team defense. We play with a lot of character and effort each game.

Would you agree that Kimmo Muurinen is the unsung hero of The Deutsche Bank Skyliners?

Yes I agree, but not only him, but every player has been a hero this season. The whole team is giving their all at different parts of the game.

You are playing your 5th season for Frankfurt. Why do you keep coming back?

I love playing for The Deutsche Bank Skyliners. It is a great organization and we have always been successful except for my rookie season. It is always good to win.

Will Dashaun Wood surprise us even more as the season progresses?

Wood is playing the way he should. He is a great player who is hard to guard. It doesnt surprise me how he is playing and shouldnt surprise anyone else. He is simply that good.

It seems like you are penetrating more into the lane this season. Did Gordon Herbert give you motivating words or is it an increase of self confidence?

I am playing within myself. I am always trying other things and just trying to be aggressive. Coach Herbert also talks a lot to me giving me confidence.

You played three seasons together with Derrick Allen. What do you miss the most from him?

I miss the brotherhood. He is like a brother for me. I miss his presence very much, but the great friendship the most.

You played with George G-money Reese in your rookie season. What do you miss the most from him?

I miss his character and he is a very funny guy. He could really shoot the ball well.

What kind of game can we await on Saturday against The Giessen 46ers in the Hessen derby?

That will be a very interesting game which has a great rivalry. The game will be intense, the gym loud and packed.

How will you stop Michael Jordan?

Important is to keep him in front of you. Just make everything hard for him not letting him in the lane to get easy baskets or make passes.

What is your take on the Carmelo Anthony trade?

It was a great trade and nice for New York. It wont help them this season, but they could win a title in the future.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

American Street Ballers.

Thanks for the chat Jimmy.