Chris Gadley is a 25 year old 207cm center from Amherst, New York that is playing his first season fort he Uni Riesen Leipzig in the PRO A. He started his basketball career at Hofstra in 2005 where he played until 2007. He then played three seasons for  Canisius (NCAA). He turned professional in 2010 and played for the  Buffalo Stampede (ACPBL) and  Summerside Storm (Canada-NBL). This is his first season overseas and has taken the PRO A by storm averaging 13,9ppg, 11,7rpg, 1,3apg and 2,8bpg. He spoke to German Hoops after the 96-94 win against the Kirchheim Knights.

Congrats on the 96-94 win against Kirchheim in OT. What was key in getting the win in OT?

Well really as a team we stuck together and just really made sure we didn’t lose that game! We really wanted to win this game for ourselves we were all playing for each other and it felt really good! Even though we had a little trouble throughout the game in rebounding we pulled through as a team and got the win!!

You had a monster game with 17 points, 16 rebounds and 11 blocks. Can you count the number of triple doubles that you have had in your career or have you had more than a handful?

Yea I’ve had a bunch of triple doubles! In highschool I almost averaged a triple double! In high school senior year I averaged 29points 18 rebounds and 8 blocks so yea I’ve had a few in my career!

You had 11 blocks. Can you ever remembering having more blocks in a game? Were you in the zone on this day on the defensive end?

Yea actually when I was in highschool I had a 17 block game lol! Yea I mean since I’ve lost all this weight I’m learning how to use my body again so now I’m really actually starting to use what ability I have again!

How disappointed are you with your 5/14 free throw shooting? Your only shooting 48% from the free throw line this season. Are you taking extra free throw practice in practice?

Yes I’m extremely unhappy with my free throws! I have never shot this bad in my basketball career! Yes I’m putting in a lot of time with them! It’s really not my form that’s a concern but it’s my confidence at the free throw line that I need to get back!

You had the height advantage over Marcus Smallwood and Dominik Schneider under the boards. Was this an easier day at the office down low or were you pushed by them?

No not at all those guys are extremely tough players! I would say they gave me personally and are team the most trouble in rebounding this year!

You had a monster game, but so did Nikita Khartchenkov. Where would the team in general be without his hot shooting?

Yea Nikita is a awesome player he is a great teammate! I think we would have a harder time without his shooting!! He truly is a major piece to the puzzle of our team!

This is your third professional season after playing in North America in the ACPBL and NBL. You are really taking off this season. What is your secret to your individual play so far?

Well basically I wanted to make a name for myself.  I know I can play and I want people to know that I’m here in pro a! I want to show my dominance and want to earn the respect of the League!

What has been the main reason for being able to adjust to the German PRO A so rapidly?

Well I think I was already prepared by playing in the states at a division 1 school! So really I had the tools to be successful,  but now I am really just using all the tools and tips my coaches have taught me in the past!

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

I believe my biggest strength that people may not notice is the way I’m able to get my teammates open shots! I love doing it and seeing them get an make open shots!!

On what things do you still need to improve in your game on the court?

Well I believe I can improve on everything
My left hand
Free throw shooting
Conditioning
Rebounding
Defensive play
Being a better teammate
I believe I can improve on every aspect of the game!

To what NBA player would you compare your game to?

Ehh I don’t think I can compare myself to a particular NBA player but Shaq I love and I use his philosophy of domination when I play the game!

Your from the New York area. If you could ask the legendary Patrick Ewing one question what would it be?

I would ask him what is the best way to make the rest of my basketball career the most successful!

What is your biggest Christmas wish this holiday season?

My biggest wish I just hope my family stays in great health and we all stay successful in everything we do! And Leipzig gets in the playoffs!!

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Last DVD I saw was called warrior!

Thnaks Chris for the chat