James Washington is a 24 year old 182cm guard from St Louis Missouri. He played at W.Illinois (NCAA) from 2006-2008 and then transfered to Middle Tenn.St. (NCAA). In his senior year he played 32 games: 14.0ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.8apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 40.4%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 86.4%. Last season he started his professional basketball career for TBB Trier (Germany-BBL) 23 games: 5.7ppg, 1.8rpg, FGP: 38.8%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 80.0%. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

James where you currently at and how has your day been going?

I am currently in the states at my hometown St. Louis, Missouri. And my day has been going alright, I cant complain too much.

December is around the corner and you are still unsigned. Are you surprised that you still don´t have a team at this point?

Yes, you can say I am surprised. But I mean that is the way it goes sometimes. I look at it as just a small bump in the road you know. A call will come soon though and I’ll be more then ready.

Last season, you came late into the season to German Beko BBL team TBB Trier, so you know first hand from last season how difficult it is to find a team. Does the market seem to be even tougher to crack this season?

Well last season was difficult because of the NBA lockout and NBA guys were signing overseas to play. And of course me being a rookie and only having College stats didn’t make it any easier. But this year its pretty tough too I guess. But my name was off the market overseas for a while because I had signed a contract to play in NBA D League this season at first.

How tough is it mentally to cope with being unsigned when many of your friends are playing overseas at this time?

When it comes to being mentally tough that is usually me. But I cant even lie, every day when I talk to my bros playing overseas it bothers me a little bit. Especially when they tell me about some of the players and competition their playing against night in and night out. Then knowing my skills set, and my athletic ability makes it even worse. But hey, it be like that sometimes. like I said earlier, teams will call soon and I will be ready.

You had a solid season at TBB Trier last season playing 23 games: 5.7ppg, 1.8rpg, FGP: 38.8%, 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 80.0%. Wasn´t there any chance that head coach Henrik Rodl would keep you?

Thanks a lot. Yea I had an okay season I would say. Wish I could have played better though and helped my team get some more wins. I dont think I got to show all what I can do. And yes there was. Coach Rodl is a good coach and even better person off the floor. I had signed a 2 year player/team option contract with TBB Trier. I think its best we just leave it at that.

How were you able to further develop your game as a rookie in the German Beko BBL?

Being able to practice against Dru Joyce everyday really helped me. Dru is a really good PG is now considered a veteran overseas and he helped me out with my transition from college to a rookie. My boy John Bynum helped me also. But my entire team were great teammates and coach Thomas Pach and Henrik Rodl helped me get better with individual workouts too.

Would you like to come back and play in Germany? Would you even step down a level to the PRO A if a team came knocking?

Funny you asked that because my bro Talor Battle and I were just talking about Germany on Skype yesterday. I would not mine going back to Germany at all. Germany was a great experience overall and the fans really support basketball even though soccer is the main sport there. Yes I would step down and play at a lower level. Especially now since the season has already started and I feel like I need to show what I really can do on the floor while winning at the same time.

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

I would say a hidden strength would be my point guards skills and ability to run a team. It usually gets unnoticed because I shoot the ball so well and like last season playing next to Dru Joyce, the shooting guard was basically my only job.

If you can describe yourself in a few sentences how would you describe your game and how you can help any team now?

I am a point guard that can score and shoot the ball pretty well. I can run a team, and I have the heart and will to try to win every game I play. I can help a team by simply doing just that and also being a leader/coach on the floor.

Who won a one on one in practice last season you or Dru Joyce and how would you beat him?

HaHa this is a funny question to me. But Dru and I would go back in forth at it in practice during 1 on 1. When he sees this he will try to disagree because he is so competitive too. But I won the most games 1 on 1 with us.

How does a normal James Washington work out day look like now as you keep in shape?

Ummmm, A normal day for James Washington I have no idea what it goes like for the most part because that is my Grandfather haha. But for James Washington lll thats easy. I workout at 5 30 in the morning in the weight room, come home take my niece to school, get something to eat and relax for a little bit. Maybe talk on skype to my bros Talor Battle, Dru Joyce, LaRon Dendy, Dwight Buycks, and Mike Smith. Head back to gym for court workout with trainer, come home take a nap or play 2K13. Pick my niece up from school then go back to gym and play pick up ball. Late night Im chilling spending time with the family and watching NBA or college games on TV. And of course eat some dinner.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Last DVD movie I watched was Step Brothers on my laptop. Seen it like 10 times now, but its hella funny to me.

Thanks James for the chat.