Eric Kibi is a 25 year old 198cm forward from Ontario, Canada that recently played for the the Hertener Loewen Basketball (Germany-ProB). Last season he completed his second season in Germany and first with Basketball Club Rendsburg (Germany-Regionalliga) averaging 20,5ppg and 15,0rpg. He started his basketball career in 2008 with Jacksonville College (NJCAA) where he played until 2010. He then played a season with UALR (NCAA) playing 29 games: 4.4ppg, 4.2rpg. He finished his college career in 2012 with Abil.Christian (NCAA2) playing 20 games: 8.2ppg, 5.7rpg, FGP: 60.0%. In 2012 he started his professional basketball career with Abil.Christian (NCAA2) playing 20 games: 8.2ppg, 5.7rpg, FGP: 60.0% He then played with Ottawa SkyHawks (NBL Canada): 29 games: 4.4ppg, 4.7rpg. He spoke to German Hoops about basketball.

Eric thanks for talking to German Hoops. You came with such big hopes to Herten and showing the Pro B what you got. How disappointed are you that your stay in Herten ended after only 3 games?

It is very disappointing a little drastic after 3 games but it’s part of the business.

How surprised were you with the release, after having a great pre-season where you put up some big stats of 20 points and 10 rebounds against Pro A team Finke Baskets and being such a dominant player at Rendsburg last season?

I don’t take it personal but it’s more about what have you done for me lately. I was surprised because I thought I had shown enough to earn more time to adjust. Nevertheless I respect my head coach because he was always honest and fought to keep me there but I lost a lot of respect for other people in that organization or associated with them because of things that have nothing to do with basketball. Regardless I still wish them the best.

Do you feel like you have been put a bit as an escape goat on account of the 0-3 record?

A little bit but I appreciate the opportunity regardless.

The team was only averaging 64 points and giving up 83 points. You were averaging only 4,7ppg. How responsible do you feel about the sputtering offense?

I didn’t perform how I wanted but I don’t think one person can be blamed. I feel like I just got cold at the wrong time.

You averaged only 4,7ppg, but 8,0rpg. If you were averaging 15,0ppg do you feel that you would still be on the team?

Most likely yes, but everything happens for a reason. I feel like eventually I would of got it going, it was just an adjustment thing.

Lets talk about your shooting. You shot only 17,6% from the field and 0% from outside not attempting a shot. In the past you shot 47% at Pinneberg and 48% at Rendsburg and now 17%. It has to be more than just shots aren´t falling?

Yeah I think I’ve proven in the past and even in the pre season that I can score, but these past 3 games felt like a nightmare it was frustrating to not perform to my capabilities, I have no excuses I just didn’t perform.

Did your first game 1/12 shooting against the Artland Dragons get in your head?

Not really, it’s basketball these things happen. I was back in the gym that next day trying to get better.

Have you looked at film? Maybe its on mechanics?

Yeah I looked, it was some technical things that I could improve on as a player.

Are you longer in the gym? How are you correcting the problem?

I watched film as much as possible to find the problem and then try to apply the corrections in practices and extra sessions.

You are such a talented player and deserve to play in the Pro B. What is the next step for Eric Kibi? What do you feel that you could give any professional team now? Would you be willing to play for a Regionaliga team?

The 3 bad scoring games doesn’t erase the kind of player I am and what I’m capable of doing. I’m going to stay in Germany for a few weeks and keep working out trying to wait for a new team. I would love To stay in the Pro B but I’m also willing to play in the ReG1 if that’s what I have to do, willing to try another country as well.

What did you learn in your short stay in Herten?

I learned a lot about myself as a person because my character was tested a lot especially off the court. For me this was probably the lowest of lows in my career but I was able to still be an everyday guy and not let negative things affect my character and my faith.

Derrick Rose is injured again. Is there a curse on him? Do you ever see him playing a full NBA season again?

I think he will eventually he’s too good of a player not too.

What was the last movie that you saw?

I watched a movie called million dollar arm.

Thanks Eric and all the best in the future.