Jon Leuer is a 22 year old 208cm power forward from Long Lake Minnesota that is playing his first season for the Fraport Skyliners. He has great team mentality and defensive smartness. Knows how to score (and to gain fouls) in the low post, has a good outside shooting too. He played at Wisconsin from 2007-2011. In his senior year, he played 34 games averaging  18.3ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.6apg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 84.3%. He was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks (NBA,2rd(40). He spoke to German Hoops recently about basketball.

Are head coach Muli Katzurin and the players on the same page?

Yes we are. We are still trying to figure each other out. It hasn´t shown on the court yet. We just listen to what the coach says and try to get better in practice each day.

Who impressed you most with Alba Berlin?

DaShaun Wood impressed me the most. He did a good job controlling the tempo of the game. He has been one of the best players that we have played against. He does so much for that team. He distributes the ball so well and is a good defender as well.

How was it playing against Tony Gaffney recently? Do you think he can get back to the NBA?

Gaffney is a great player that does many good things for his team. He has the ability to play in the NBA, but it is tough because there are so many good players that want to play there. He just has to find the right fit.

You are playing your first season with the Fraport Skyliners. What were the main reasons for coming to Frankfurt?

My agent in the states told me that it was a good organization with history. Good people work in the organization and that the fans are great. I trusted my agent and came.

You have roots in Cologne Germany. How has it been getting used to the country and mentality?

It has been great. My family was here for some weeks. We went to Heidelberg and found out that we have ancestors there as well. It has been a different experience being away from my family, but I have enjoyed Germany so far.

You are a rookie. What things do you still need to improve in your game?

I have to be more efficient and know when to take the right opportunities. I feel that I can do a lot to help this team win. I will do what I can to help the team win.

What is a strength in your game that doesn´t always get noticed right away?

My ability to put the ball to the floor. I also can create for others. I am also quicker than what most people think.

You have a beautiful quick release that looks like a cowboy taking his gun out of the holster and firing away. Where did you get that quick release?

That quick release came from years of practice. I have always loved to shoot since I was a kid. I worked very hard at it. A good shooter needs to have that quick release to be successful.

How happy are you to have Jermareo Davidson back under the basket?

He is a big help with his big body and length. It will take some time for him to find his rhythm, but he will help us.

Would you agree that Danilo Barthel has had a quick development. How do you help him in practice?

Yes I would. He can be very effective. Going against me in practice has helped him as well as vice versa. We try to make each other better.

How is your relationship to Muli Katzurin. What have you learned from him?

We have a good relationship. He has made the transition to the European style easier. He also showed me how to adapt my footwork to the European style.

You are from Long Lake, Minnesota. Were you more in the water or on the water as a kid?

A little bit of both. I would go out on the boat and also be in the water tubing which is like water sking, but you are being pulled by the boat while being on a tube.

What always impressed you the most about the game of Kevin Garnett?

His versatility always impressed me. He could do so many things to help his team win. He always worked his tail off no matter what and was so competitive.

Why did you choose to go to Wisconsin instead of staying with your home state Minnesota?

I felt that Wisconsin was a great program. I liked the coaches and players and never regretted making that decision.

What was your nicest memory of the 2008 NCAA Sweet 16 run?

Beating Kansas State.

Who won a 1-1 in practice at Wisconsin, you or ratiopharm Ulm forward Keaton Nankivil?

Obviously I won. Keaton is a great player and even better person. We had some good memories at Wisconsin.

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

Michael Beasley and Eric Gordon.

What were the most number of free throws that you have made in a row in a practice?

I always practiced with my dad. I would say 57.

What was your most crazy shot in a game?

A full court shot in high school.

What do you know about carnival in Cologne?

The German players have told me about it. If I have time I may go.

My nickname for you whenever you score is Ferris Bueller from the movie, because I think you look like him. Is that all right for you?

I never heard that resemblance before, but Ferris Bueller is a cool dude so I am all right with it.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Legend of the fall with Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins.

Thanks Jon for the chat.