Maurice Williams is a 30 year old 192cm guard from Gary, Indiana that just finished his fifth professional season and fourth in Hannover. He played at  Medanos JC (NJCAA) before turning professional in 2009. He played briefly in the ABA for teams like  North Texas Fresh (ABA), Arlington Bulldogs (ABA), and North Dallas Vandals (ABA). He came to Hannover late in the 2010-2011 season. Last season for Hannover he played 21 games: 9.4ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP-2(67.0%), 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 80.7%. He helped Hannover to the 2012 and 2014 Pro B North regular season titles. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Maurice thanks for talking to German Hoops. You are still in Hannover, Germany and the season has been over for many weeks. Don´t you miss being at home and in Indiana Pacers country especially now where they are in the playoffs?

 

Yes im still here in Hannover enjoying the off season with my girlfriend. I do miss my family but never was a Pacers fan always been a fan of good basketball no matter what team is doing it.

Hannover were 2014 Pro B north co champions, but like in 2012, the club was ousted in the playoffs. I hate to bring this up, but was Hannover simply just a better regular season team than a playoff team?

I wouldn’t say that I think it takes a special group of guy’s to stay focused and keep the momentum protect the ball and players 1-12 has to be locked in to accomplish any championship

In 2012, Hannover lost in three games to SC Rasta Vechta and in 2014 in three games to Baunach. What was missing this time around against Baunach to move on?

To be honest we had what it took to finish them and move on but I have to give Baunach their credit as a team they out played us they played to win and we played not to lose.

After the series loss to Baunach, how sure were you that this team could actually had the ability to move up to the German Pro A?

I have nothing but respect for Baunach. For them to be a young team they executed their game plan well and I was rutting for them to go all the way and they did.

You had a solid season for Hannover playing 21 games: 9.4ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP-2(67.0%), 3PT: 29.7%, FT: 80.7%. How content were you with your season on the court?

To me my season was ok but I feel like I could have been much more effective. My rebounding could have been better and for sure 3 point and free throw percentage has to improve. And im putting in the work to improve in those areas.

One notices your very high field goal percentage which is very high for a guard. You were second in the Pro B with 67%. Does this have to do more with clever shot selection or just extra shooting practice after practices?

It has a lot to do with shot selection. I’m the type of player that tries to execute a coaches system so its easier to pick shots and I excel in transition.

You scored in double figures 11 times. What was your season highlight on the court with Hannover?

My highlights for this season I have to say is my in game dunks and there was a stretch in the season where the team had a lot of injuries and I stepped my game up and we went on our longest winning streak.

Your teammate German Tobias Welzel has been in Hannover like you since 2010. He started his basketball career with BG Goettingen and played Beko BBL and won the 2010 Eurochallenge. How has his development been the last four years. He is still young at 24, but can he make the jump back to the Beko BBL, or will he always be a solid division two player in Germany?

Tobi has improved each year and I do think he can make that jump to the BBL, but its easy for me to say its just all up to him and the work he puts in to improve

After playing in the minor leagues in the States in the ABA, you must be very thankful for playing years in Germany. Would you like to stay in Germany or could you see yourself going to another country?

Yes I can see myself living in Germany forever. When it comes to basketball anything is possible if I have an opportunity to play in another country why not but I LOVE Germany and I may get my citizenship.

You played college ball at Medanos JC (NJCAA). Have you gotten adjusted to having to always prove yourself wherever you have played? How important has self confidence been for you in your basketball career?

Yes I enjoy having to prove myself everywhere I go. Its motivation for me and its a great feeling to have if you knew where I came from to see me now.

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

I’m a team first type of player I will never talk bad about my teammates, coaches, and management. I’m very down to earth and can get along with anybody.

If you could describe yourself in a few sentences as to why you could help any team at any level how would you do it?

I can expect any role that a coach has for me I will always bring energy to games and practice. I will always play this game of basketball with pure passion.

What dreams to do you still have as a professional basketball player? Where do you see yourself in five years?

My dreams as a professional basketball player is to take it as far as possible and continue to take the steps to better myself. In five years from now I would like to say I’ve helped a team or two reach their goals and continue to be a positive image for German basketball.

If Kendall Chones is chugging into the lane in practice and your in the way, what could you compare his bumping into you with? Lol

A BULL for sure he’s by far the strongest player I played with or against.

How does a normal summer workout program look like for Maurice Williams on and off the court?

Wake up breakfast then weight room, then I alternate Run, ride bike, swimming pool. Then lunch and every afternoon in the gym getting up shots (set and off the dribble).

Where is a place that you would like to go to this summer where you have never been to?

hahaha no Gary Indiana I love this city with all my heart I was born and raised but this is a city if your not from there or have family there then you probably don’t need to be there.

Do you see the Indiana Pacers continuing to be a very good NBA team in the years to come?

The Pacers have a good team and management. I would think they will make the right moves to accomplish their goals.

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

The last DVD I watched was “The Quiet Ones”.

Thanks Maurice for the chat.