Marcus Slaughter is a 26 year old 203cm forward from Riverside California. He played at San Diego State from 2003-2006. In his senior year, he played 30 games averaging 16.5ppg, 11.0rpg, 1.9apg, 1.2spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 49%, FT: 76.2%. He started his professional basketball career in Turkey for Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir playing 29 games averaging 13.3ppg, Reb-3(10.2rpg), 1.3apg, 2.3spg, 2FGP: 51.6%, 3PT: 12.5%, FT: 67.2%. In 2007-2008, he was with the Miami Heat in preseason and then played in Israel and France for Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem, Israeli League: 8.0ppg, 6.4rpg, ULEB Cup: 5 games: 5.6ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.8apg, waived in Dec.’07, in Jan.’08 signed at BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand Littoral 15 games: 9.5ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.4apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP-3(63.2%), FT: 58.9%. in 2008-2009, he started with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven(8 games: 18.8ppg, 10.0rpg, 1.3apg, 2.6spg, 1.3bpg, FGP: 59.8%, 3PT: 60.0%) before moving to France to Le Havre playing 21 games: 16.0ppg, Reb-1(9.5rpg), 1.6apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 58.8%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 65.4%; Eurocup: 6 games: 12.2ppg, 8.7rpg, 1.0apg, 1.5spg, 1.8bpg. In 2009-2010, he played for Sluc Nancy Basket Pro (France-ProA): EuroCup: 6 games: 8.5ppg, 9.0rpg, 2.8spg, 2.0bpg, FGP: 50.0%, FT: 76.7%; French League: 29 games: 12.5ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.4apg, 1.5spg, Blocks-5(1.4bpg), FGP: 64.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 69.1%. Last season, he played for Blancos de Rueda Valladolid (Spain-ACB, starting five): 34 games: 9.9ppg, 6.0rpg, 1.4spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 65.0%, FT: 67.5%. He is back in the Beko BBL with the Brose Baskets Bamberg.  He spoke to German Hoops after the win against ratiopharm Ulm.

Congrats on the 102-74 win in Ulm. This game had been talked about for weeks as being the big showdown, but Bamberg silenced all critics showing they are still the best team in Germany.

This was a big game. Ulm had not lost in their new arena and we wanted to stay in first place. There have been those doubters who didn´t think that Bamberg was as good as the last years. We wanted to make a statement and didn´t lay down and kept first place.

What was your impression of the new arena?

 

Ulm has  a great new arena. Fans were already there early screaming at us at the shoot around. It was a different kind of experience, but the Brose Baskets Bamberg fans are still the best.

Bamberg had a slim lead at half time, but poured in 56 points in the second half. What was key for getting the win in the second half?

It was all about defense. We felt that we would be able to get any shot that we wanted to on offense. We just had to lock down on defense. Swann was on fire and we couldn´t contain him, but we gave a good team effort on defense.

What is your impression of ratiopharm Ulm? Will they do damage in the playoffs?

To be honest, I think that any team that reaches the playoffs can do damage. They have a good team and there is a reason that they are in second place. I think that they can survive in the playoffs as anything can happen.

How is it having to be around John Bryant in the zone?

He is very big and isn´t easy to move away or push him away. Tibor Pleiss did a good job on him. You always need to have a game plan against him.

People are speculating that Tibor Pleiss will go to the NBA next season. What is your gut feeling?

I don´t really get into all the talk, but he has the ability to play in the NBA. He is a seven footer and got drafted.

Who has been the most improved player this season for the Brose Baskets Bamberg?

I think it has been Tibor Pleiss. He is playing with a lot of self confidence. We help each other in practice to help make each other better. I put a lot of pressure on him in practice on the court which helps him get better.

How disappointing was not getting farther in Euroleague play?

It was very disappointing. A big reason for coming to Bamberg was the chance to play Euroleague. My nicest memory was beating Athens at home. Now we will concentrate on cup and winning the league.

Who was your toughest opponent in the Euroleague?

 

Nenad Krstic of CSKA Moscow. He is a very tall and smart veteran who has a nice touch around the rim. He has great teammates who help him on the court. They are always looking for him and he knows how to duck inside and get the ball. He is a main option and you can never take a break on defense on him.

EnBW Ludwigsburg got Matt Howard to help their team. What is your impression of him?

H e is a good addition that is capable of shooting the three pointer. He is very smart and will help them.

The next game for Bamberg is BG Goettingen who have only two wins. I am sure that Bamberg wot underestimate them.

We want to win every game we play. We will not underestimate them.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Coming to America.

Thanks Marcus for the chat.