Kevin Bright is a 19 year old 198cm swing man from Mannheim Germany. He played for Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule from 2007-2012 playing a total of 83 German second division games. In the 2011-2012 season, he played 25 games averaging 8,5ppg, 2,9rpg and 2,5apg. He will be attend Vanderbilt university in the 2012-2013 season. German Hoops sat down with the German to talk basketball.

After moving up to the PRO A last season, Erdgas Ehingen finished the season in 11^th place. Can one be happy with the end result?

We had some problems at the start, but we beat some top teams in the second half of the season. All in all, one can be satisfied with the season.

You scored 24 points in the first game at MBC. What will you always remember from this game?

I will remember the great atmosphere in their arena. Even though that we lost, we showed that we could play with  atop team.

In your first PRO A season, you averaged 8,5ppg, 2,9rpg and 2,5apg. How satisfied were you with your own season?

I wasn´t too happy with my season. I had some bad games, but I think that I learned from my mistakes and the PRO A was a good experience and preparation for the NCAA.

On what things do you still need to work on on your game?

Being able to be consistent over a whole season at a high level.

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

I believe that my defense gets overlooked by people.

You were born in Mannheim. What was your childhood like?

I had a relaxed childhood. I came from a good family back round. My parents separated when I was young, but I have good contact to both. I started with soccer and changed to basketball.

Who were your NBA idols as a kid?

I liked Kobe Bryant because he can do it all. I also liked Ademola Okulaja. I always liked watching him play.

You came as a 15 year old to Ehingen in 2007. When you look back, was this the right decision to make?

That was the best decision in my life. I have learned so much on and off the court and am so thankful that I had this experience. Everyone treated me so well and I think I would not have had a better experience anywhere else.

What are the most important things that you have learned from Ralph Junge?

I learned that “Whom can you defend” is most important. Coaches only let you play if you play defense. It doesn´t matter how much you can score, but in the end defense is always most important.

You played at the 2012 European championships. How challenging is it fighting for playing time with German Patrick Heckmann?

We have been playing against each other the last years in the PRO B. I really haven´t played any one on one against him, but if I did I would beat him being physical.

Who wins a one on one, you or Garrett Williamson?

He won every time. He was the best defender that I ever played against.

How happy are you about going to Vanderbilt?

I am so happy about doing this. I think that I have made steps the last years with Ehingen and now I am ready to make the next step.

How did you like Vanderbilt when you visited the school?

I visited there last June. I really liked the campus. It is a private school with 12,000 students. One of the reasons why I went there was because of the good basketball program and good academic program.

What do you know about your future teammates?

I have heard that there are 2 NBA prospects on the team.

Do you feel pressure to play in the NCAA?

Yes I feel pressure, but it is positive.

Is Nashville a city you want to live in?

Yes, it is a nice city with much flair. I will have to get used to country music.

Who was the best player that you played against in the PRO A?

Arizona Reid from MBC.

What have been the most free throws that you have made in a row?

50

What was your most crazy shot in your career?

In the NBBL, a buzzer beater three pointer in a semi final game.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Hitch with Will Smith.

Thanks Kevin for the chat.