Kyle Hines is a 26 year old 198cm power forward from Sicklerville, New Jersey that is playing his second season with Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus (Greece) winning the Euroleague final last season. He is a powerful player who loves to attack the basket. Has a good 1-vs-1 game and likes to go inside. He is undersized to play the power forward, but his great wingspan (7-1) allows him to guard taller players and to intimidate. He’s also a great leaper and reads the opponent’s game well  He played at NC-Greensboro (NCAA) from 2004-2008. In his senior year, he played 31 games: 19.2ppg, 9.1rpg, 1.4apg, 1.8spg, 3.1bpg, FGP: 55.6%, 3Pts: 12.5%, FT: 62.8%. He was invited to play at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (Pre-NBA Draft): 3 games: 17.3ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.3apg, 2.3spg, 3.3bpg, FGP: 78.6%, FT: 72.7%. He then had predraft workouts with Sacramento Kings and the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA). He then went to Europe to Italy and played with Prima Veroli (Italy-Lega2, starting five): 34 games: 16.9ppg, Reb-4(8.6rpg), 3.0spg, Blocks-2(1.8bpg), FGP-2(66.0%), FT: 58.5%. In 2009, he took part in the Orlando Pro Summer League (Oklahoma City Thunder). In 2009-2010, he stayed in Italy with Prima Veroli (Italy-Lega2, starting five): 40 games: 18.5ppg, 8.1rpg, Steals-2(3.5spg), Blocks-4(1.6bpg), FGP-3(64.0%), 3PT: 18.8%, FT: 57.8%. He played NBA Summer League in Las Vegas (New Orleans Hornets) in the summer of 2010.In 2010-2011 he played for the Brose Baskets Bamberg (Germany-1.Bundesliga): Euroleague: 10 games: 12.9ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 64.3%, FT: 46.7%; German League: 46 games: 10.4ppg, 4.6rpg, Blocks-3(1.2bpg), FGP-3(61.1%), 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 52.4%. He won the double with Bamberg. Lasts eason in Greece he played Euroleague: 22 games: 9.9ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.0apg, 1.1bpg, FGP: 51.9%, FT: 57.6%; Greek League: 34 games: 8.6ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.1apg, 1.0spg, Blocks-4(1.1bpg), FGP: 57.4%, FT: 64.4% He spoke to German Hoops before the 2013 Euroleague final

Congrats on the amazing 69-52 win against CSKA Moscow to reach your second Euroleague final in a row. How blessed are you at the moment?

This was a great win for our team. I feel so blessed not only to have been in two back to back final four´s, but now in my second final. It is amazing that only one team in the history has won it back to back and now we have the chance.

Many had CSKA Moscow to win it all. Did Olympiakos Pireus go into the game with less pressure?

We feel very comfortable as underdogs. Our coaches had us ready with a good game plan and we just executed the way we had to. This was probably our best defensive showing of the season. Holding a team to under 60 points that has so much offensive fire power is amazing.

What was the team secret to keeping CSKA Moscow to 52 points?

We had a good game plan on defense. We put a lot of pressure on them, were physical and did the little scrappy things. We also knew that if we sped up the game that we would have more success since they like that half court game more.

Olympiakos Pireus dominated the game from start to finish. What was key for getting the win?

This was our best team effort this season. We have been in many difficult circumstances this season and despite being on the big stage at the Euroleague final 4 is amazing. I hope we can do it another time on Sunday against Real Madrid

You had a very strong game with 13 points and 10 rebounds. How happy were you with keeping ex NBA player Nenad Krstic in check?

It wasn´t just me, but it was a great defensive team effort. They have very good interior players that can shoot well so we knew that if we were physical and made them work hard for their shots that we would be successful.

Which player on your team was the unsung hero of the game?

It was an entire team effort. Every guy on the floor played their role to perfection. Especially in these one game tournaments, you need every guy to contribute.

How special was the soul and spirit of Hellenic basketball?

Our crowd was amazing as always. When you see the fan support that we have, you can see the sense of pride and ownership that the fans have for Greece basketball. Despite all the economical problems in Greece, the fans are always there and their emotion and support make us want to work harder and be successful.

In the 2013 Euroleague final there will be two ex Brose Baskets Bamberg Americans with Marcus Slaughter and yourself. How excited are you about this meeting?

I am very excited. I know him since some years and we both came a long way and travelled the same journey.

How does this Bamberg reunion in the 2013 Euroleague final speak volumes for the Beko BBL club?

It is amazing that two players reached the Euroleague final one year after leaving Bamberg. The fans in Bamberg will be Excited for us and just reflects how successful the Bamberg club is.

What type of final can we await between Olympiakos Pirues and Real Madrid?

We will have to do the same things that we did against CSKA Moscow. We will have to push the tempo, use energy, defense well and control the rebounds. They have many weapons on offense and were one of the best defensive teams in Euroleague. It will be a very competitive game.

The Brose Baskets Bamberg-Phoenix Hagen playoff series is tied at 1-1. Will your ex team reach the next round?

Bamberg has had difficulty this year, but at the end of the day, they are the defending champion. You can never count them out.

Who do you miss more Casey Jacobsen or Anton Gavel?

I miss both equally. Both are great guys. We have great relationships. I miss them both.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The Watch. It was funny. I think that I will watch it Sunday again.

Thanks Kyle for the chat.