Michael Thompson is a 22 year old 177cm point guard from Chicago, Illinois that is playing his first season with the Fraport Skyliners. He played at Northwestern from 2007-2011. In his senior year, he played : 34 games: 16.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 4.3apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 45.2%, 3PT: 39.3%, FT: 82.5%. Awards/Achievements in his career have been HS: Chicago Public League All-Academic Team -07, All-Big Ten Honorable Mention -10, All-Big Ten 3rd Team -11, Big Ten All-Tournament Team -11, and NIT Elite Eight -11. He took some time to talk to German Hoops about his rookie season with the Fraport Skyliners.

Does Muli Katzurin pull a lever when he wants Justin Gray to take control?

No coach doesn´t pull a lever when he wants Gray to take control. Gray has a lot of experience and a great understanding of the game and always knows when its time to step up.

You played four years at Northwestern and now had a three week try out phase with the Fraport Skyliners. What kind of experience was that for you?

It was a great experience, because I had the chance to play for a great team that has great players. I gave 100% each day and am very happy that my contract was extended.

Which Fraport Skyliner helped you the most in this period?

Justin Gray helped me the most. He has much experience and I am always asking him questions in order to help me learn the game more and know what I can do better on the court.

You have a short term contract until the end of December. What do you want to accomplish in these three months?

The most important thing is too win games. Nobody wants to lose. I also want to get better in each practice and game and do the things that coach wants me to do. I want to secure a position on the roster and secure my contract.

How are you adjusting to the European style and what is the biggest adjustment for you on the court?

I am getting used to the European style. The hardest thing to get used to on the court is the 24 second clock  opposed to the 35 second shot clock in the NCAA.

A hidden strength in your game is your toughness. Where does that come from?

I got my toughness growing up. I always played basketball with my older brother. Everybody always said that I was too small, so I had to be tough getting respected with my height.

You have a nice floater. From what NBA player did you watch to get that?

I watched a lot of film on Steve Nash. He is quick like me, but small and when he goes in the zone, he uses that floater with the big bodies inside.

What is the most amazing thing that you have seen Jon Leuer do on the court?

I have seen him do so much on the court especially in the last 4 years, we played against each other in the NCAA. He won the majority of the games with Wisconsin. He is so versatile, can do so much, rebound, post up, shoot the three, and defend.

How would you call your floater?

Juicy.

What was your childhood like in Chicago?

I had a great childhood. I was lucky that both my parents were around and are still married today. I always had kids around playing basketball and they all had their heads on their shoulders. I wish that I could still be a kid today.

Who were your NBA idols?

Michael Jordan and Penny Hardaway.

What is your fondest memory of your 35 point game in a Big Ten game?

Having my teammates around and the team executing well in that game.

What did Northwestern coach Bill Carmody teach you to get ready for the professional ranks?

He showed me offensive and defensive strategies to help meet the pro style. He also showed me how to act right off the court.

Who was the best player that you played against in the NCAA that might be in the NBA now?

Eric Gordon of the Los Angeles Clippers. We lost both games to Indiana, but I played ok.

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

I made 55 at a Northwestern practice.

What was your craziest shot that you ever made?

I made a full court shot with six seconds to play at a Northwestern practice.

What do you like most about Frankfurt?

Living in a mall and being able to shop and eat whenever I want.

Who wins a one on one game, you or Justin Gray?

We haven´t played yet. It would be tough against him, but I think both of us would win games.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Harlem Nights.

Thanks Michael for the chat.