Mike Smith is a 24 year old 198cm forward from Vandalia, Missouri that is playing his first season with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. He played at E. Tennessee from 2007-2011. In his senior year, he played 35 games: 17.9ppg, 6.8rpg, 1.9apg, FGP: 46.9%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 78.9%. This past summer, he took part at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft): 3 games: 10.0ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3spg, 1.0bpg. He was a A-Sun Tournament Winner -09, 10, and All-A-Sun Player of the Year -11. He spoke to eurobasket this summer about his basketball career.

You were in Bremen this summer and watched Dirk Nowitzki and Germany play Bosnia. What kind of experience was it watching Dirk in Bremen? What amazed you most about Dirk being in Germany?

Just the fan support that he has over here, the fans really love the guy and is a proven super star. Has proven himself in the best league in the world and he is well deserving of everything he has accomplished

You are starting your professional basketball career in the German beko BBL. What were the main reasons for choosing the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven?

Eisbaeren have made the playoffs the last two years and that made an impression on me, hoping that the returning guys and me could take this team to the next level.

What has been your early impression of the city of Bremerhaven and the organization?

The city of Bremerhaven is a fun little city, its not to big and not to small. The organization is well rounded from top to bottom and does an outstanding job with the basketball team!

How have the first talks with Doug Spradley been? What will be your role in the team?

My first talks with Coach Spradley have been good, he has total confidence in me to play for him. Whatever Coach ask and whatever this team needs me to do to win will be my role.

What is a strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away from critics and fans?

A strength in my game that doesn’t get noticed is that I am a terrific offense and defensive rebounder.

What has impressed you most about Bremerhaven fan favorite Torrell Martin the most so far?

Torrel has been a great leader and mentor for me as a rookie, every time he has something to say about the game or practices to help me develop into the player I want to be I soak it all in.

You played at E Tennesse from 2006-2011. What was the most important thing that you learned from head coach Murray Bartow?

Coach Murray Bartow was a great coach, he had a great coaching staff that worked hard. The biggest thing I learned at ETSU is defense wins games, and at this level I believe the same factors play into how well we do defensively is how well we will do this season.

You won both games against Lipscomb last season. How intimidating is Adnan Hodzic as a player and what do you remember most from his game?

Hodzic is a well rounded player, very strong and physical guy to guard. Extremely hard worker as well.. We had some good games against each other.

Who was the best player that you played against in the NCAA that might be in the NBA now and how did you do against him?

Dajuan Blair, Pittsburgh, dude was just an animal and you can see it now in the NBA.

Recently you played at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft): 3 games: 10.0ppg, 8.3rpg, 1.7apg, 1.3spg, 1.0bpg. Who was your most fiercest opponent in these 3 games?

Casey Mitchell from West Virginia, he just shot the ball extremely well and lead the tournament in scoring, well rounded player.

What is a secret about good rebounding besides effort from a player?

Reading is all about effort in my opinion, who wants it more? Another key is just reading it off the rim.

What has surprised you most about Germany so far?

Everyone is really nice out here, food is a little different but i am getting used to it. The overall experience has been great!!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The Town.

Thanks Mike for the chat.