Stan Brown is a 24 year old 204cm forward from Chicago, Illinois that will be playing his third professional season and first in Germany with Pro A team ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen. He played at Lamar)NCAA) from 2009-2013 playing a total of 115 NCAA games. He improved his scoring and rebounding each season and as a senior played 31 games averaging 11.6ppg, 7.6rpg, FGP: 48.2%, FT: 67.4%. In 2013 he started his professional basketball career with Abejas de Guanajuato (Mexico-LNBP). Last season he played for BK 04 AC LB Spisska Nova Ves (Slovakia-SBL, starting five): 37 games: 16.4ppg, Reb-2(9.5rpg), FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 14.3%, FT: 71.7%. There he achieved Slovakian League All-Star Game status and Eurobasket.com All-Slovakian League Honorable Mention. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Stan thanks for talking to German Hoops Where are you at the moment and how has your summer been going?

I’m currently in Houston Texas and my summer has been going great.

After a very strong season with BK 04 AC LB Spisska Nova Ves (Slovakia-SBL), how did you experience the summer transfer time? I am sure it was easier than a year ago after your rookie season in Mexico?

It felt a lot more confident in finding a second job this summer. Definitely easier than my transfer time after Mexico.

Congrats on signing with German team ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen in the Pro A. What was the deciding factor where you knew that would sign on the dotted line?

After talking with my agent and discussing the team and reputation I felt it was a good fit for me. Also talking to Igor sealed the deal. He was confident I could come in and impact team.

What do you know about the country Germany and its basketball here? Do you have any friends playing here? Did you ask Brandon Spearman tips about how the basketball is in Germany?

I know it is a great basketball country hands down. And I have a few friends Darius Harris, Derek Needham, and Brandon Spearman. Brandon spoke highly of Germany and said it’s a great place to play ball.

You are a rebounding machine, very strong in the one on one, have a good mid distance jumper and give many teams problems with your game With that all set aside what do you feel is your biggest strength on the court?

I feel my ability to run the floor and be physical are my biggest strengths to my game other than my known scouted talents.

The ETB Wohnbau have a very talented team and should challenge for making the playoffs. After a strong season in Slovakia you now want to make the next step in the German pro A which might be a tad stronger than the Slovakian league. Do you feel some pressure to perform at a new level and different style of basketball?

I honestly don’t feel any pressure just a bit anxious to get out on the court to compete at higher level and push for the playoffs.

ETB Wohnbau Baskets head coach Igor Krizanovic stated you might be missing a few kilos for being a center, but what is a hidden strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away on the court?

I believe my versatility of being an inside banger but also a mid range threat is a big strength to my game and the team. Also I am coming in to Essen much stronger than last season!

Did you have some fear going into your season in Slovakia last season after your experiences in Mexico as a rookie?

No I actually had a large chip on my shoulder which pushed me to go harder and be better than I was in Mexico.

You played one game in Mexico. Did you in a way feel that last season was really your rookie season?

Yes I definitely did feel like last season was my rookie season.

What was your wake up call to your first season in Europe in Slovakia where you knew that you were very far away from Chicago and Texas?

Once I got off that long plane ride from Chicago to Krakow, Poland I knew I was FARRR away!

How important was it having had ex Lamar teammate Nikko Acosta as your teammate in Slovakia last season? Did he make the whole integration period easier just having that familiar face daily on and off the court?

It helped a lot it was cool to have someone I know there and playing on same team was a plus also. We already knew each other’s game.

You scored in double figures in 35 of 37 games and had 17 double doubles. What was your personal season best game? Your 33 points against Nitra or 26 point 16 rebound game against Inter Bratislava?

I would probably take the 26 and 16 against Inter Bratislava for best game.

After a solid senior seasons at Lamar you signed with Abejas de Guanajuato (Mexico-LNBP). You played one game. What happened your rookie season? Why was it a season to forget for you? You played four years at Lamar. You are blessed to be having a solid professional career despite coming from a smaller school? What do you believe in your game got you that far?

It just wasnt the best fit for me to start my career but thankful enough I got my chance in Europe and I want to continue growing as the best player I can be. I believe coming from a smaller school just pushed me to work harder and be better.

How did head coach Pat Knight prepare and groom you best for a professional career in your last two years at Lamar?

He taught me a lot and put me in situations to get better and grow as a player. Perfect situation to make the jump to a pro.

What do you remember being the most amazing thing that Mike James(Laboral Kutxa Vitoria (Spain-Liga Endesa) did at Lamar on the court in your first two seasons?

The game where he scored 52 points I would say. He couldn’t miss a shot.

Who was the best player that you battled against on the court that is in the NBA now?

I would probably say Greg Monroe. He was very versatile when we played a gins each other in high school.

How does a normal summer work out day look like for you in the summer of 2015?

Monday Wednesday Friday weights and open runs. Tuesday and Thursday cardio. Saturdays open morning 5 on 5 basketball.

Where do you see the journey of the Chicago Bulls going this season. What do they need to do to win the east?

I see the Bulls doing good this season actually. The resigning of key pieces Jimmy Butler and having Derrick Rose  will be great. We need a healthy Pau Gasol though. 

What is the state of Lebron James in 2015? Will he ever be mentioned in the same breath of Michael Jordan?

Above all Michael Jordan is the best player ever to play the game. Lebron James is the best player in the world right now.

Your uncle is Sergio Brown who currently play for the Jacksonville Jaguars, but played a season with the New England Patriots. As an outsider what is your take on the drama in Patriots nation?

Yes my cousin Sergio does play for the Jags now. I believe the situation with the Patriots is if they broke the rules consequences will follow. 

What was the last movie that you saw?

I took my Girlfriend and Daughter to see The Minions movie.

Thanks Stan for the chat.