33 year old Michael Jordan is a 183cm guard from Philadelphia. He played at the University of Pennsylvania graduating in 2000. His first two years found him jumping around leagues in France and Spain before he found a new home in Germany with TSV Quackenbruck. In the 2002-2003 season, he helped lead Quackenbruck into the BBL with exceptional stats in 30 games, 21.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 6.9 apg.  He helped turn The Artland Dragons into  a playoff team in the 2004-2005 season as they lost the BBL Quarterfinal playoff series to The Opel Skyliners in five games. That season he averaged in 34 games: 11.1ppg, 3.4rpg, Ast-1(6.4apg), 1.3spg, 2.6bpg, 2FGP: 52.5%, 3FGP: 31.3%. The next season, he was released by The Artland Drgaons, but went to Rhein Energie Cologne and won the BBL championship in 2006 averaging in  33 games: 9.8ppg, 2.3rpg, Assists-4(4.1apg), 1.0spg, 2FGP: 45.3%, 3PT: 40.3%, FT: 52.2%. The next season, he went to Italy and played at Cantu where he led the league in assists and averaged in 37 games: 13.8ppg, 2.7rpg, Assists-1(5.2apg), 2.0spg, 2FGP: 54.6%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 74.0%. The next season, he played in Belgium for Charleroi averaging in 15 games: 9.5ppg, 1.6rpg, 3.6apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 36.0%, FT: 90.0%;. He had injury problems and finished the season in Greece with PAOK. In 2008-2009 after a very short stay in Israel, he played a few months in Bamberg before going to the Cologne 99ers averaging 10,5ppg, 2,4rpg and leading the BBL in assists with 6,2apg. Last season, he played for Phoenix Hagen helping the team remain in the BEKO BBL. He played 16 games: 8.9ppg, 2.3rpg, Assists-5(5.3apg), FGP: 44.2%, 3PT: 32.5%, FT: 73.3%. This season he started with MBC before going to the Giessen 46ers recently. He spoke to German Hoops before the game against The Walter Tigers Tuebingen March 12th.

The Giessen 46ers are coming off a tough 81-62 loss against The Deutsche Bank Skyliners. How well has the club digested the loss the last days?

Our last 2 losses have been very hard to digest, but I think we have focused in on what we need to do and are ready to prove ourselves in the next games. The intensity and focus in practice this week has been a lot better. Coach has us ready for the next opponent.

Since your arrival the Giessen 46ers are 2-4.What tends to be the biggest weak point that the team has to improve the most?

We just have to play HARD, SMART, AND TOGETHER, for 40minutes. Not 10,20, or even 39minutes, but the full 40. Our biggest weakness has been our lack of focus and execution @ crucial points in the game. Basketball is 85-90% mental.

The next game is against The Walter TIgers Tuebingen. What has been your impression of the team this season? They are giving their biggest shot to reach the playoffs this season?

Tuebingen is a good team. They have arguably one of the best Pg’s in the league. They have size, shooters. They have had some injuries I think which has hurt them a little but they still have managed to win games. They are def a dangerous team and we need to be ready and focused.

Tuebingen is coming off a 40 point loss in Bamberg. What is always the most dangerous thing about meeting a club next that just got blown away badly?

Well Miles, to be honest it depends on their mindset. I do not know how they think, I only know that I would be HEATED and ready to whoop my next opponent. It can go either way. 1-the team is pissed and want payback or to prove themselves in the next game, or 2- The confidence is at an all time low.. I’m gonna assume that it’s #1… It will be the same for both teams because we just came off of 2 subpar performances also and one in front of our own people.

Bane Ratkovica belongs to the top point guards in the BEKO BBL. Will controlling the Serb and controlling the boards be about 80% the rent for getting the win at home?

He is a very good player and he gets them going. He accounts for 80+% of their points from either scoring it himself or dropping dimes. He is the general out there so we def have to cut the head off the snake to win. We also have to as you said, control the other guys and the glass. Limit them to 1 challenged shot each time down the floor.

The Celtics signed Carlos Arroyo. What do you expect from the guard combo Rondo/Arroyo?

Rondo will do what he does. It’s up to Carlos to come in and give rondo a few minutes of rest and not make mistakes. If he gets out there and tries to do more than that it could be a problem. With that team, you just have to play Defense, get the ball to the right people and make your open shots.. You know simple ball 😀

Should one have compassion for a player like Sherron Collins who misses two flights and then doesnt get the contract from the Charlotte Bobcats?

Man, that’s tough.This is the 1st I’m hearing bout this. It depends on why he missed the flights ya know? When an opportunity like that comes around you have to make sure you are there. It’s a tough situation but as I said, what were the reasons for issuing the flights?

Ratiopharm Ulm has made an interesting pickup for the stretch run getting Tommy Mason Griffin who turned pro after a great season with Oklahoma. What is your overall opinion of players turning pro early?

I don’t have a problem with players leaving early. If you are going to be a lottery pick then I say go while you are hot because you never know what can happen in the next year or even day for that matter. Now on the flipside, there are some dudes that know damn well they should have stayed in school. To each his each or her own though Miles. Some guys leave for a various number of reasons. If I was good enough to get drafted out of HS and would have gone lottery I would have. I had a great support staff and I think I would have been just fine.. So it depends on each individual situation.

Thanks MJ for the chat