Japhet Mcneil is a 28 year old 183 cm guard from Brooklyn, New York. He played at East Carolina from 2003 -2006. He then transferred to Bridgeport(NCAA2) for his senior year in 2006-2007. At Bridgeport, he played 31 games averaging 16.6ppg, 4.0rpg, 4.9apg, 4.0spg, FT: 67.3%, FGP: 38.3%, 3PT: 34.6%. In 2008-2009, he played his rookie season in Germany in the PRO A for USC Heidelberg playing 30 games and averaging 14.8ppg, 3.1rpg, Assists-1(7.9apg), Steals-1(3.5spg), FGP: 45.4%, 3PT: 24.1%, FT: 63.3%. In 2009-2010, he played in Finland for Kori-Konkarit Loimaa (Finland-1st Division, starting five): 5 games: 9.8ppg, 2.6rpg, 2.8apg, 3.4spg, FGP: 35.0%, 3PT: 19.0%, FT: 50.0%. In 2010-2011 he played for  BG Karlsruhe (Germany-ProA): 3 games: 4.0ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.7apg. In 2011-2012 he got experience playing for the  Connecticut TopBallerz (ABA). Last season he played for the BSW Sixers (Germany-ProB): 14 games: 4.5ppg, 1.6rpg, 4.1apg, 1.5spg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Q: Japhet thanks for talking to German Hoops again. Where are you at the moment and what are you doing?

A: At the moment I’m in Germany. I m fortunate enough to be able to make myself more available for the market. I take the pro active approach and put together a training regiment that way when my number is called I’m ready.

Q: How tough has it been just sitting around waiting for a team to show interest? How have you been keeping positive?

A: Well technically I’m not just sitting around, there were deals that for me at this age and stage of my game that wouldn’t be beneficial for me or my family. Its almost equivalent to playing for bubble gum! but on the contrary I’m not expensive by no means this is my career in which I take very serious. I look at it as more time to get stronger, faster, less time for injury, etc. thats the kind of approach you must have. The glass is never half empty always half full.

Q:You haven´t played a full season since your rookie season in Heidelberg. How frustrating is it always getting signed in the middle of a season where you arrive to a team where you have to learn everything quickly?

A: Im glad you made that point Miles. Its actually very frustrating because I feel that guys that teams are giving opportunities to haven’t remotely had a season like I had with leading pro (a) in assist and steals while avg 15 pts. Guys that do that are getting big looks and I get over looked for whatever reason. Its not the easiest thing to do when you sign late in the season but somehow I manage through the highs and lows. Teams should understand the situation rather than writing players off immediately.

Q: You are still young and in your prime as a basketball player. Why do you think it has been so tough getting signed the last years?

A: I dont think its my game or anything I think its about timing and also your representation, thats key. Within the past years of professionalism I’ve had all types of guys saying what they can do or what they did, when its all said and done I have to do it on my own which is fine but no one man is a island. Players should worry about playing and thats that.

Q:Which basketball people have been keeping you positive now where your looking for a team?

A: I have a great support system, thats something players must build to stay relevant. My parents, my lady plays a huge role and off course friends and family. I frequently talk to other players that goes through the same grind daily but honestly i don’t need the yes men, I’m tunneled visioned and I know my ultimate goals and abilities.

Q: Last season you played in the German Pro B for the BSW Sixersand came late to the team. It wasn´t the best situations for you despite making the playoffs? Why was your stay there a tough one

A: It was difficult in a sense because I knew and the team knew I could help the team with more playing time. The situation was splitting time with 3 Americans and I was the third that signed late to give depth in the back court so you can imagine. I remained positive and professional as always and tried to do my job the best way I know how to. I felt I did my job, we went to the semi finals stayed in the league upset some good teams to be where we were at. When I arrived the team was facing difficult times. I tip my hat off to my teammates and the fans of the Sixers.

Q:How tough was it playing behind Jeremie Simmons. He seemed to get all the playing time and you couldn´t really show what your made of except off the bench.

A: I really don’t want to publicly throw anyone under the bus so I won’t but it wasn’t playing behind Jeremie that I found difficult, because really j Simms is a guard natural born scorer so he was ecstatic when I arrived, productivity, pace, intensity was at its peak when we were on the floor. On the flip side that will take away from our other American well respected Nate Gertwig, he was our bruiser our front court was in need of a player like him in a lot of situations. That scenario was difficult to deal with. I must add with all that I led the team in assist and steals and amongst the league leaders.

Q:Was Josh Parker the best player that you played against in Germany since you have been a player?

A: (deep sigh) I’m by far not a hater. Its not hard to be good when your already a good guard and your playing 40 mins per game, your able to take any shot and your organization is looking for you to make all the plays. When your not looking over your shoulder to see if your going to get subbed out you feel like superman on the court. So no Josh is not the best player I’ve matched up with in Germany. Id go with Robin Benzing, Chase Griffin, Brandon Jenkins, Johannes Lischka, Dennis Shroeder I’m sure there is more but off the top those the ones I can remember.

Q: What did you learn out of your situation with the BSW Sixers? Is there anything that you could of done differently or would have changed if you could have done it differently?

A: Honestly there wasn’t much to learn. It was a stepping stone in my career, I m thankful for the opportunity that was given to me. I met some amazing fans and got 2 more people that I can call friends in Jeremie Simmons and Nate Gertwig. We tried to challenge each other daily off and on the court.

Q:What has always baffled me was after your great rookie season at Heidelberg where you led the league in assists, you weren´t able to heighten your career. Was it just many bad situations and wrong decisions that you made?

A: Assist and steals miles. We cant forget that category!! Its not about decisions because I feel I never got a fair shot ever since Heidelberg. Again, I think its timing. Hopefully I get another opportunity to show my ability at a high level. I am a firm believer in GOD and he places people through obstacles for reasons, I am one of his toughest soldiers so he will test my patience and what I’m willing to do to get there. I know once I do get there I wont look back. Especially on the ones that ignored me and doubted me. I have something is storage for them

Q: You and Jibril Hodges were amazing with USC Heidelberg. How much do you miss those days? It is a shame that you guys never played on the same team again.

A: Yea it hasn’t been the same in Heidelberg since we left with that kind of back court, I use to miss those days now they are just memories, good ones. When we get together (jb and I) we talk about our future and try to look at our next positive move. We know what that duo can do. We have a slogan for that. We will say ” she want that old thing back” but thats with all my back court mates, they love me I put the basketball right in their shooting pocket, just rise up and make shots.

Q: You are still an assist man, but how has your game matured with age? If you could describe your game and why you could help any team now how would you describe it?

A: Yes indeed I am still an assist man. Ive learned how to channel my emotions, i ve learned the mental aspect of the game. I ve learned to make the simple pass instead of the home run. I really spent time working on my shooting, I get so eager to show what I worked on in the off season that I over think trying to show that particular ability and I end up not playing the game the way I know how to play it. With me its just mental and confidence. In the past you might see that in my game but not anymore!! My good friend Erving Walker ( italy/poland) told me they going to either love you or hate you.

B. My game helps a team in many ways. I can make plays, i m able to defend the opposing teams best guard. I m fearless in big situations. Smart heady point guard. If you want me to score i’m able, get my guys touches i’m able. Also, I’m very professional I take that very serious. Off the court I carry myself in a well manor you never hear about any incidents with Japhet Mcneil. Both on and off the court I represent my team, my family, myself and the fans.

Q:How does a work out day look like for you now in Mainz? What things do you do to keep in shape and what basketball drills do you do?

A: Due to lack of resources I train like rocky! literally. I do hill runs, there is a huge futbol open field that I do full throttle wind sprints and slides on. I have 2 basketballs so some days I may just run a few miles while doing dribble moves. There is a volley ball court with sand, its for the kids in the neighborhood but I get a great workout there as well, doing sprints, slides and agility work in the sand. I try to utilize my resources to the best of my ability. When it rains outside I get on the elliptical machine that I’m fortunate to have in the house for 45 mins – 1 hour

Q:What is wrong with the New York Giants? Will they be able to turn their sorry season around?

A: LOL I m going to stand up for the G-men for NYC sakes. They dug themselves a hole and they will manage. They were once champs so sometimes you shoot yourself in the foot #noplaxico #Idontevenlikethegiants

Q:What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

A: honestly I dont even watch dvd’s anymore I don’t mean to dry snitch but the gov is shut down anyway, but i go to movie4k.to and watch all the new movies.

Miles thanks for your time buddy its always a pleasure, hopefully we get to chop it up again this year under different circumstances. tchuess!! My supporters and fans follow me on Instagram @phetty10