Augie Johnston is a 25 year old 185cm guard from Atascadero, Calfornia. He played at Cal.St.-Monterey (NCAA2) and his infinite range has proven he was one of the best shooters in the country. Although he is a prolific shooter, it is his overall ability to score the basketball and defend the opponent’s best player that is so impressive. He is one of the most professional and hard working players. As a captain at Cal State Monterey Bay he has shown to have all the leadership qualities you would want in a point guard or shooting guard. He started his professional basketball career in 2009-2010 for Velbert Baskets (Germany-2.Regionalliga), playing 9 games: 28.4ppg. Last season, he played for SpVgg Rattelsdorf Independents (Germany-Regionalliga) playing 25 games: 29.8ppg . This season, he is playing for SC Rist Wedel and helped bring the team into the playoffs against Nordlingen.This season in the PRO B he is averaging 16,3ppg, 4,2rpg and 4,0apg in 24 games. He spoke to German Hoops after the season ended with their game three loss against Nordlingen.

A tough game three loss 94-79 against Nordlingen. How dissappointed are you that you lost in the deciding game?

I was very disappointed because we really should of taken care of business and won at home, but unfortunately we didn’t and knew that it would be a tough game in Nordlingen. This was the first time Rist Wedel was in the playoffs so to win the first round at least would of been huge.

What were the reasons for the loss? Was it the slimmer rotation, nerves or the energy against Nordlingen?

Well, it was a combination of many things. In the first half we did very well and were leading for the whole second quarter and ended it down by 1 point I think. We did a good job of getting the ball inside and we made a few outside shots as well. I have to give Nordlingen credit, because in the second half they took away our inside game, put some of our starters in foul trouble and capitalized on every mistake we made. We had too many turnovers and Nordlingen does a good job of turning those turnovers into fast break points for them.

Kay Gausa stepped it up in game three with 26 points. What will you always have in memory of his play on the court?

I will always remember his high energy play. He has a good motor, and plays very good defense. He is the best defender I have played with in Germany in my past 3 seasons and I think it will take him far in his career.

SC Rist Wedel played Nordlingen tight, but Nordlingen advanced. How do you see the chances of Nordlingen the rest of the way?

They are definitely one of the top teams in the Pro B, but are pretty small inside. They play Vechta next. There are going to have to outscore Vechta if they want to win that series, which they can if their outside shots are falling. Vechta really packs in their defense and makes you beat them from outside.

What advice did you give 16 year old Ismet Akpinar for his future?

Just to make sure he is always improving and to stay humble. He is a student of the game and takes advice very well.

What are your plans for the summer? How is your feeling about continuing your basketball career?

I will go back to California and relax until summer. Then I will work at some basketball camps and of course train and come back even better. I want to continue to play. I feel that I have some unfinished business in the ProB and want a chance to play in the playoffs again.

I am sure you visited Hamburg sometime during the season. What did you like most about this beautiful German city?

I like the famous fish market. You have to wake up pretty early to get there in time, but it is worth it.

Were you surprised that UCONN bowed out in the first round?

Yeah I was, especially at half time when they were down by 22. UCONN cut the lead down, but didn’t have a chance to win it in the end.

How much stronger are the San Antonio Spurs with Stephen Jackson?

In my opinion, I don’t think he really fits in there very well. He does well running and gunning, and I don’t think his personality fits with those guys so much, but who knows.

What sleeper teams do you see making a run at March Madness?

I think Memphis is a sleeper that can maybe make the Final Four. They are not as good as they usually are, but they can shock a few people.

Thanks Augie for the chat.