Angelo Caloiaro is a 24 year old 203cm forward from San Jose, California that is playing his  second professional season and first in Germany with the Mitteldeutscher BC. He played at USF(NCAA) from 2008-2012 playing a total of 127 NCAA games and as a senior played 14.1ppg, 6.1rpg, 2.3apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 58.4%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 78.5%. Last season as a rookie he played for Rilski Sportist Samokov (Bulgaria-NBL): 24 games: 12.7ppg, 7.3rpg, 2.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 58.6%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 79.8%; Balkan League: 7 games: 9.7ppg, 5.4rpg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 29.2%, FT: 68.8%. He spoke to German Hoops  recently.

The Mitteldeutscher BC stepped up their game at the end of the first half of the season. What have been the main reasons for the improvement?

 

We are playing very good basketball now and we continue to get better in practice. I feel that we are never satisfied and always want more. We are always in the gym and always hungry.

 

How important has MBC head coach Silvano Poropat been for the current success?

 

He has been very important for the success and is a really good coach. We have a lot of trust in him and we know exactly what he expects us to do.. He gives me a lot of confidence for my game and if I make mistakes he doesn’t lose confidence in me.

 

Who has been the unsung hero of MBC in the first half of the season?

 

It has been Marcus Hatten. When he came to us, he really sparked us and has led the team to success.

 

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

 

That is a tough question, but I would say posting up, because it is something I usually don´t do.

 

On what things do you need to work on on your game?

 

I can improve in many areas, but the most important areas are my pull up jumper and shooting off the dribble.

 

What was the most important thing that you learned from ex NBA player Rex Walters who coached you at USF(NCAA)?

 

I think that I learned many good qualities and he gave me a lot of important things that he got from coached like Pat Riley and Roy Williams who he played for. I learned how to do everything in a professional manner on and off the court.

 

You played a season with German Justin Raffington at USF. What do you remember from your teammate most?

 

He was the first contact that I had to a German person. He didn´t play much at USF and transferred to FAU and is having a break out year. He is a real big body that is always hard to defend

 

Coming from an Italian back round and growing up in San Jose that is a hockey town, how did you get into basketball`

 

Well Oakland is only an hour away where the Golden State Warriors play and my mom played who was the alltime leading scorer at Pepperdine. I really played all sports as a kid and as I kept growing, I felt that basketball was just best for me.

 

You played as a rookie in Bulgaria last season. What was the most important thing you picked up as a rookie that has helped you mature to the Beko BBL style?

 

I learned the different types of basketball rules in Europe as well as the different speeds and the 24 clock shot was totally new to me. But most important was getting used too many new styles on the court.

 

Your teammate Josh Parker has spoken highly of you in interviews. Now it can be your turn to laud the stellar play of the Chicago native.

 

He is a great scorer and hard to guard. He has been so big for us this season. When we need the big bucket or he has to score he can create for himself. He is just a good player.

 

San Jose isn´t New York, but like New York compared to Weissenfels. What do you like most about the village?

 

It is a different style of living. There isn´t much to do there, but the whole area is pretty and you can get aquainted to nature. Weissenfels is like a little community.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

The hunger games.

 

Thanks Angelo for the chat.