Jason Boucher is a 32 year old 180cm guard from Menominee, Michigan that is playing his seventh professional basketball season in Germany and second with the Desden Titans in the Pro B. He started his basketball career in 1998 for  Grand Valley State (NCAA2) where he played until 2002. He played a total of 106 NCAA 2 games and as a senior played  28 games: 8.6ppg, 2.8rpg, 5.3apg, 2.4spg, FG: 40.4%, 3Pts: 39.8%, FT: 81.9%. He came to Germany in 2004-2005 and played for  TB Weiden (Germany-Regionalliga). From 2005-2007, he played in the minor leagues in the States for Grand Rapids Flight (IBL), Michigan Mayhem (CBA), Battle Creek Knights (IBL) and  Albany Patroons (CBA). In 2007-2008, he returned back to Germany to play for the Coocoon Baskets Weiden. From 2008-2010, he played for Heimerer Schulen Basket Landsberg (Germany-Regionalliga) where he tore up the league averaging 28,0ppg in those two seasons. In 2010-2011, he played for the  BiG Oettinger Rockets Gotha (Germany-ProB) playing 17 games averaging 15.6ppg, 2.5rpg, 2.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 60.7%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 84.5%. He spoke to German Hoops after the

How is the team approaching the playdowns?

We are approaching every game in the playdowns as its win or go home (down). We still practicing and working hard everyday in practice. Its not what we had hoped for this season as we wanted to be in the playoffs but we are gonna do our best to win these playdown games and stay in the Pro b.

You had a solid season with Gotha two seasons ago and this season as well. Are you hoping for Pro A offers this summer at age 32?

Yeah that would be nice as every competitive player wants to move up leagues. I know I’m not getting any younger, but I feel good and know I can play at that the Pro A level. If that opportunity comes then great if not I will play with what ever team wants me!

Are you a bit disappointed that after many good seasons that you haven´t got the call to the Pro A?

Dissapointed a little bit yeah, but I know its a business and teams are a little hesitant to take an older player over a young talent out of college. But my resume I think speaks volumes and would love to get the chance if the opportunity comes!

You tore up the German Regionaliga from 2007-2010. How difficult was it making that next step to the Pro B?

For me I approach ever season the same and play the game with passion. It wasnt difficult at all, I have prepared myself for any league. I have played in top leagues in the states(besides the NBA) and I can adapt my game to where ever im playing.

Guys like Josh Young and Jason Boone made the jump from Pro B and Regionaliga. Has to do more with talent, luck or connections?

Well I mean of course you have to be talented and know the game of basketball to play in higher leagues but with that being said I think it has a lot to do with connections and being in the right place at the right time.

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

I am a very smart basketball player and know the game inside and out. Like I said before I can adapt to any situation my team needs me too. If they need me to score I can score, if they want me to control the game and be a playmaker I can do that also. I have always been told I am too small to make it or to play at the levels I have played at. My hard work and determination has shown differently

How easy has it been working with coach Thomas Krzywinski who is near the same age as you?

Coach and I have had a pretty good relationship since I have been here in Dresden. He knows the game pretty well and puts in countless amount of hours to get us ready and prepared. He is considered a young coach at his age but to me it doesnt matter the age of the coach, its his team and we all have to respect that.

You tore up the Regionaliga with Landsberg. What are your fondest memories with that team?

My years in Landsberg were great, a lot of great memories there too many to mention them all. Our team was really close on and off the court and just the friendships and bonds I made with those guys is something I will never forget!

Who was the best player that you played against in the NCAA 2 with Grand valley that might be in the NBA now?

The best player I played against in college? hmm its been a while 10-12yrs ago haha. I really cant pick one out at the moment but I have played against a lot of NBA guys in other leagues.

Why do so many good players come from Michigan?

That’s  a good question, there are a lot of good players from everywhere in the states. I am not sure why Michigan produces a lot of good players, maybe its because there is not a lot of things to do in Michigan so all we do is play sports, haha

Who wins a one on one in practice you or Bjoern Blossey?

I actually have never played Bjorn one on one, but I think he and I both know the answer to that  SYF Bjorn

Andrew Jones has had a solid season. Isn´t he on eof those players that could also reach the Pro A?

Drew has had a really solid season for us. He is one of those players in my mind that should get a chance to show what he can do in a higher league. Him and I have had to switch our games up a little bit this season for the better of the team and I think we did a good job of working together this season. Not only is he a good player, but he is an even better teammate and person!

What do you like most about Dresden? It is seen as a big city in Germany, but seldom have I seen such a small city center.

To me Dresden is a huge city 500,000 people I think and I come from a town of 10,000 haha. I really like people here and there is a lot to do and see here. Our fans are great as well, they stick by us no matter how the season is going and those are true fans!

Lebron or Kobe?

LEBRON JAMES, best player on the planet hands down in my opinion.

Who would win a slam dunk contest Lebron or Blake Griffin?

No props or anything I would have to say Lebron, I know all u guys been seeing those dunks in warm up lately from him, haha

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

Chris Herron story, Espn 30 for 30, great story and a must watch.

Thanks Jason for the chat.