Jared Reiner is a 29 year old 211cm center from South Dakota. He played for Iowa from 2000-2004. As a rookie, he made the Chicago Bulls roster playing games 19 games averaging 1.1ppg, 2.0rpg; Play-Offs: 3 games: 0pts. In the 2005-2006 season, he was injured and did not play. In 2006-2007, he played for San Antonio Spurs (NBA), only pre-season, in Nov.’06 moved to Sioux Falls Skyforce (D-League, starting five): 28 games: 13.8ppg, 8.6rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 48%, FT: 69.4%; 28 games: 13.9 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 1.5 apg, in Feb.’07 signed at Milwaukee Bucks (NBA): 27 games: 1.2ppg, 2.6rpg. In 2007-2008, he played for Polaris World Murcia (Spain-ACB, starting five): 17 games: 5.5ppg, 4.4rpg, 2FGP: 53.0%, FT: 44.0%, in Feb.’08 moved to Brose Baskets Bamberg (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 20 games: 9.4ppg, Reb-5(6.8rpg), 2FGP: 52.1%, FT: 53.9%. In 2008-2009, he played for the 76ers (NBA), only pre-season, in Dec.’08 moved to Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (Germany-1.Bundesliga, starting five): 12 games: 13.0ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 53.9%, FT: 72.7%. In 2009-2010, he played for the Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA), only pre-season, in Dec.’09 moved to Fort Wayne Mad Ants (D-League): 17 games: 13.1ppg, 9.7rpg, 1.2apg, 1.2bpg, FGP: 45.7%, FT: 72.2%,and then moved to Gallitos de Isabela (Puerto Rico-BSN): 8 games: 12.4ppg, 10.9rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 45.7%, 3PT: 25.0%. Last season, he played for BBC Bayreuth playing 33 games: 12.6ppg, Reb-3(7.8rpg), 1.2apg, FGP: 49.7%, FT: 63.8%. Jared took some time to talk German Hoops about basketball.

When was the last time that you spent Thanksgiving at home?

Well I played four years in the NCAA and seven professional basketball seasons so 11 years ago.

Does a normal Jared Reiner Thanksgiving involve a big turkey and NFL football?

Yes it does. I get up early, prepare the food, eat the turkey and then watch football all day long.

You are still without  a team. How surprised are you that you still have no team?

I am very surprised since I had a very solid season in Germany. I just have to stay focused and be ready for the phone to ring.

You played in the Beko BBL for the three Bs Bamberg, Bremerhaven and BBC Bayreuth. Was there no interest for the third best rebounder from last season?

There was some interest from German teams, but it just wasn´t the right situation for me. It was a hard year and there were a lot of players for jobs and enough players who wanted to play in a situation that I didn´t want to play in.

How does a usual work out day look like for Jared Reiner?

I am working together with a trainer where we lift and shoot and with a player from college.

With the NBA lockout over, is it easier finding a team?

I was close signing with some teams, but the teams went other players. I think with the lockout done that teams will be making changes and there will be more jobs.

If you had the chance where would you like to play where you never have played before?

That is  a tough question. I really love Germany and would like to play there again. I was close to signing in Russia and the Ukraine, but I am willing to play anywhere.

Where did you like to play the most in Germany?

Each team was a different situation and I liked all places very much. If I could I would like to add a new letter to the Bs where I have already played.

Who was your toughest opponent in the Beko BBL last season?

John Bryant. He is so big and I mean I am already big. He is a good guy.

If you had the chance to return back to BBC Bayreuth would you?

I liked the team, fans and city. Everyone treated me with respect. If the situation was right, I would return.

How did you take in the Kevin Durant rumors with BBC Bayreuth

I read it in the paper and if they can afford to get him why not. You always want to get the best players.

Who were your NBA idols as a kid?

Magic Johnson. I was a Lakers fan and I grew up watching James Worthy and Kareem Abdul Jaabar.

What NCAA game with Iowa will you never forget?

It was my freshman year and it was the second round of the NCAA tournament and we played Kentucky. We were favored to win, but lost. It was the coming out of NBA player Tayshaun Prince who hit us with 38 points. But its hard to single out just one game, I was involved in many great games.

Who was your toughest opponent in the NCAA?

Zach Randolph from Michigan State. He was the hardest to guard In The NCAA.

You played together with NBA player Reggie Evans at Iowa. What could you learn from his game?

Evans is a good friend of mine. He is one of the most intense guys that I have been around. He really helped my rebounding game and when he left in my junior year, I led the Big 10 in rebounding.

You played in the NBA from 2004-2007. Do you ever pinch your self that you had the chance to play 3 years in the best league in the world?

Of course. As a kid it was my dream to play in the NBA. I am very happy that I stayed around for three years. I showed up to play each day and it was a great experience.

Do you think that you could get an NBA tryout now?

I don’t know. I am not really counting on it. I am hoping more to come back to Europe to play.

You were in the Minnesota Timberwolves training camp in 2009. What impressed you most about Kevin Love?

He is very athletic and is the best rebounder that I have ever seen. Even a ball that you don’t think he could ever get, he will get. He always finds the right position. I see him in the top 10 at his position. Statistically, he is the best rebounder in the NBA.

If you could have dinner with any NBA player, past or present who would it be?

I would choose Shaq, because he is a funny guy and is loud. I would like to see first hand how goofy he can be. I am still reading the Jerry West book, but his book is next. I started one game with the Bulls against the Miami Heat. He is the best center that ever played. Nobody could stop him. Everyone else is like little kids on the court.

You played together with Chris Ensminger at Bamberg. Who won a one on one back in the day?

He was a great teammate. We didn´t really play one on one, but were more concerned about the team. I am happy that he is still playing. It is amazing that he is still playing at such a high level at 38. He really takes care of his body. I am 29 and to think that I will still be playing in ten years isn´t realistic.

What was your favorite food in Germany?

You can´t live in Germany without beer and sausages.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

I watched Dead Wood on HBO. It is a western about gold rush in South Dakota.

Thanks Jared for the chat.