Seth Hinrichs is a 23 year old 203cm guard from Clara City, Minnesota that is playing his rookie season in Portugal with FC Porto. He played at Lafayette (NCAA) from 2011-2015 graduating from Lafayette as the all-time leader in 3PG % in Patriot League history. As a senior he played 32 games averaging 12.9ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 55.5%, 3PT: 38.3%, FT: 83.1%. He spoke to German Hoops before the Eurocup game against the Fraport Skyliners.

Seth thanks for talking to German Hoops. In the last years in November you were either in Minnesota or Lafayette where its much cooler than in Porto. Is it like a little dream not feeling that early winter cold this season?

Yeah I love how warm it is here. The weather in Porto has been great so far. I walk around in shorts and a tee shirt because I’m not used to it being this warm in November.

What is it like playing for this great organization FC Porto? Do you feel the tradition each day when you step on the court wearing it´s jersey?

Playing for a great and prestigious organization like FC Porto is an honor. The rich tradition of winning is something that motivates us to win as well. The organization here is first class and to play for FC Porto in my first year as a professional has been a blessing.

Your playing your first season for FC Porto that is currently has a 5-1 record. The club has only lost to Benfica so far. Do you see this team has possibly being the biggest opponent that the team will face?

Benfica won the championship last year so they are the champions until someone takes that crown away from them. We lost to them in our first match so we’re hoping that we can continue to improve each week and beat them the next time we play them.

FC Porto is giving up only 60 points in the LPB league. Was having defense as a team staple something that head coach Moncho Lopez stressed from day one?

Absolutely. With so many guys in the rotation, our defensive intensity can wear down an opponent for 40 minutes. Moncho really wants us to make it hard on our opponents the entire game.

How exciting has it been playing Europe Cup? You are able to travel through Europe. You will play in Germany, Holland and Slovenia. Is there a place that you are most looking forward to?

It has exceeded my expectations. Guys who have played on other teams in past years that weren’t in the Europe Cup have told me to not take this opportunity for granted. I feel very fortunate just to be able to travel to different countries and play basketball. I am of German and Dutch descent so I think playing in Germany and Holland will be pretty cool.

FC Porto play the Fraport Skyliners in Germany. What do you know about the country Germany and its basketball there? Do you have some friends playing in Germany currently?

I know that Germany has had a rich tradition in basketball dating back to when Dirk Nowitski was younger. The top league, BBL, and Pro A and Pro B are all solid leagues. My teammate now, Brad Tinsley played in ProA last year and I know Jordan Riewer who plays in ProA Oettinger as well. The basketball in Germany is very good.

The Fraport Skyliners have a 2-0 record in Fiba Europe Cup action but grinded out two ugly wins and easily could of lost. They also are a very good defensive team. Do you see an ugly defensive game on the horizon?

We know Fraport is a very good team defensively. I think after two Europe Cup games we’ll each have a pretty good idea of what the other team does so I could definitely see a defensive game on the horizon against them.

Currently in the LPB league you are averaging 8,0ppg and 4,7rpg. Has the transition from the NCAA to Europe been tough? What in your game still needs to get used to the style of Portugal?

It’s been an adjustment for sure but I feel as though everyday I’m improving and learning new things about the style of play in Portugal as well as Europe. I think my defense needs to improve, and it has already, but it needs to continue to get better. I also think I could be more consistent with my shot.

What exactly is your role on the team? You are averaging only 16 minutes a game. Is this something you welcome instead of maybe being bogged down with 30 minutes right away as a rookie?

My role on the team is to bring energy on defense, crash the boards and knock down open shots. Our team is very balanced so everyone’s minutes are relatively the same.

How important has American Brad Tinsley been for you who is a veteran and has some years experience in Europe?

Brad has been very important in my transition from college to Europe. He, along with Nick Washburn, are my two closest friends on the team and they have both given me some great insight on what to expect, what their experiences were, and how to become the best player that I can be. Their help has been instrumental thus far.

Your a big guard that is an outstanding three point shooter, but what do you believe is a strength in your game that doesn´t get noticed right away on the floor?

I think my basketball IQ. I would like to think I’m a pretty smart player and I try and use that to my advantage.

You and the other Americans can tell NCAA stories while Spaniard Alberto Fontet could tell stories form his many years playing in the top Spanish league and FC Barcelona. What kind of a charachter has he been for you on and off the court? Is he more the quiet or will he share some basketball stories?

Albert hasn’t shared very many stories but you can tell he is a seasoned vet on the court. He is so unselfish and a great teammate who I love playing with. Off the court, Albert is a really funny guy and is always good for a joke.

You played four years at Lafayette capping off your illustrious career winning the Patriot league in 2015 against American 65-63 and you had 16 points. What on the floor at the end still stands out for you as something you will never forget?

I’ll never forget when the fans stormed the court when the buzzer sounded. The feeling of finally reaching the NCAA tournament after four years of hard work was a dream come true.

What memories do you have of your 15 point effort against top team Kansas(NCAA). You had 15 points in a 96-69 loss. You played against guys like Frank Mason and Bill Seldon and Bill Self was head coach.

Playing in Phog Allen Fieldhouse was a crazy environment to play in. Growing up, always watching the great Kansas teams on TV, it was a crazy feeling to play in that gym and play against some of the best players and coach in the country.

How did Fran O´Hanlon prepare and groom you best for a professional basketball career at Lafayette?

Coach O’Hanlon’s system is more of a European offense because he played professionally in Sweden for a number of years so that has made the transition a little bit easier.

Who won a one on one in practice you or Monty Boykins?

I don’t think we ever played one on one against each other.

You have been living a few months in Porto now. What so far has become your favorite spot in the city just to relax and think about basketball and life?

My favorite spot would have to be the beach. It’s relaxing to sit by the water.

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

I think Lebron will be mentioned in the same breath as Michael Jordan but he needs to win one or two more championships. Because Kobe Bryant has five championships, I think Kobe would be more likely to be mentioned in the same breath as Michael Jordan.

What was the last movie that you saw?

Hercules.

Thanks Seth for the chat