Jamel Mclean is a 25 year old 203cm forward from New York that grew up in Hampton, Virginia and is playing his first season for Alba Berlin. He started his basketball career in 2006 for Tulsa(NCAA) and then moved to Xavier (NCAA) where he played from 2007-2011. As a senior he played 31 games: 10.6ppg, 8.4rpg, FGP: 53.9%, FT: 61.2%. In 2011, he started his professional basketball career for : Stella Artois Leuven Bears (Belgium-D1): 36 games: 9.3ppg, 6.8rpg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 18.2%, FT: 62.8%. In 2012-2013, he played for Givova Scafati Basket (Italy-Lega2, starting five); EuroChallenge: 5 games: 10.0ppg, in Oct.’12 moved to Telenet Oostende (Belgium-Ethias League), left in Dec.’12: Eurocup: 6 games: 4.7ppg, 4.8rpg; Belgian Ethias League: 5 games: 7.0ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.8spg, 2FGP: 52.0%, FT: 42.9%, in Jan.’13 signed at Telekom Baskets Bonn (Germany-BBL, starting five): 21 games: 13.7ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 59.3%, FT: 65.9%, 6.6rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 58.6%, FT: 69.6%. Last season he played for the Telekom Baskets Bonn (Germany-BBL): Eurocup: 10 games: 15.5ppg, 6.7rpg, FGP: 53.6%, FT: 77.3%; German League: 38 games: 13.2ppg, Reb-1(7.7rpg), 1.2apg, FGP: 56.9%, 3PT: 21.1%, FT: 69.8%. He spoke to German Hoops a day after his buzzer beater against the San Antonio Spurs.

 

 

Jamel thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on the historical win against the 2014 NBA champion San Antonio Spurs! What was going through your head as you were dribbling over center court with two seconds remaining in the game and you had the chance to win the game?

 

I was just thinking that I had to get a shot off and give my team a chance to win the game.

 

As you released the ball did you know that the ball was going in?

 

When I released the ball I didn´t even get a chance to see the ball go until I saw the red light go on ending the game and then I saw as the ball was in the hoop and then I knew that we had won the game and the O2 arena went crazy.

 

How much weight does this historical win by Alba Berlin have on the further development of the Beko BBL?

 

I think that this is very good for the BBL. It shows really how strong the BBL is and not only in Germany but also other countries. It shows that there is very good talent all over in Europe.

 

You came off the bench contributing 18 points and 10 rebounds in 25 minutes and won the game with a buzzer beater. Where do you rate this game in your career?

 

Beating The San Antonio Spurs was the best game that I have ever played in my career. This is my #1 best game just because of the significance and the amazing atmosphere that was on the court.

 

Does your performance give you incentive to dream of the NBA even more and hope for a 2015 NBA Summer league invitation?

 

Yes it does make me think about the NBA Summer League. It would be nice if a team would invite me next season. I believe that I have shown people that I can play at a high level and the NBA is where everybody wants to play at

 

What could you learn in the 40 minutes from NBA star Tim Duncan just by watching him on the court?

 

 

 

 

He is just such a smart player on offense. He doesn´t do any extra things, but just the things to be successful and is calm in all moments of the game.

 

Was there any San Antonio Spur that you enjoyed playing against the most?

 

I definitely had no fun playing against them, but I just have so much respect for every player on that team. I respect the ability of how guys like Tim Duncan and Tony Parker share the ball and communicate on the court.

 

How do you get down form that historical win against the San Antonio Spurs and focus on your ex team Telekom Baskets Friday night?

 

Bonn will be a tough game. We have to get back to business. We have to play our basketball and not celebrate anymore, but focus and concentrate on the Beko BBL again.

 

How excited are you play in Bonn again where you played one and half seasons?

 

I don´t want to be to excited and put pressure on myself. I have to see it as just another game. The Bonn fans won´t be cheering for me.

 

What kind of game can Alba Berlin expect against the Telekom Baskets Bonn?

 

It will be a tough game. It is their home opener and they will be ready for us. Every game will be difficult this season, because every team is aiming to beat us. I honestly think that the Bonn game will be tougher than the Spurs game.

 

How important was your stay in Bonn for the further development of your game?

 

My Bonn time was great for my development. My first coach Michael Koch just let me play my game which really built my confidence. Last year I had to be an undersized five man and this really gave me strength to expand my game. Playing center at the Eurocup level also helped develop my game, because it showed that I could play against centers in the Eurocup.

 

Where will the journey of the Washington Wizzards end this season in the NBA?

 

I have no idea.

 

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?

 

I just watched the Transformers.

 

Thanks Jamel for the chat.